By Ron Smith
September 14, 2019
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Hali Galloway connected for 11 kills and posted a .500 attack percentage as #17 Westmont Volleyball (11-2) swept #25 The Master's (7-6) in three sets for the Warriors third win in Golden State Athletic Conference play. The Warriors prevailed by scores of 25-18, 25-19 and 25-18.
 
On 20 attempts, Galloway delivered 11 kills while committing just one attack error.
 
"There are two things I factor in to Hali's success," said Westmont head coach Ruth McGolpin, "Brooklynn's quick passing, which speeds up our offense, and then Hali's ability to be super athletic and quick and get a one-on-one situation. Their middles couldn't get to the pin and stop Hali. Her accuracy tonight was lights out."
 
As impressive as Galloway was at the outside hitter position, McGolpin gives the Warriors' defense much of the credit for tonight's win.
 
"The defense was great," said the first-year coach. "We turned on the blocking. Our defenders were doing a great job around the block, and there were key blocks that were momentum blocks, like Patty Kerman's solo block. It set the tone.
 
"Lexi Malone came in and had some fabulous blocks. Those two things – blocking and digs – were the key to our success."
 
Lauren Friis tallied 18 serve receptions and nine digs while Madison Morrison recorded 15 serve receptions without committing and error and added five digs.
 
"Maddi had some key digs in the left back spot – three in particular when the set was tight. She was in the right spot and poised enough to get underneath it and pass it high enough and off the net to set up a good set and kill."
 
Also crucial to the Warrior's success were the performances of sophomore setter Sydny Dunn (19 assists) and Keelyn Kistner (13 assists).
 
"I thought Syd was unbelievable in terms of her poise, which I thought was essential," said McGolpin. "She made good, smart choices with her sets. If someone didn't get a kill, she went right back to them and let them work out their kink. That is a good sign, because it means she has trust and faith in her hitters."
 
An unfortunate exampled occurred in the opening frame in which sophomore Kaylee Ivie went down with a sprained ankle and had to come out of the game. Freshman Kendall Kenyon came into the game and Dunn immediately set her for a kill.
 
"Kendell got some playing time in the Ottawa game," noted McGolpin. "She plays every position, but the last two days in practice we have fortunately had her playing middle."
 
The game was played in front of enthusiastic fans numbering around 800.
 
"The crowd was fantastic," said a grateful McGolpin. "The student body just kept flowing in the doors and we had a lot of community members as well. The baseball team was right up there in the front row and they are a lot of fun. Then Master's brought a lot of people as well. The crowd definitely was energetic."

With the win, Westmont moves into a first-place tie with the Lions of #21 Vanguard (12-2). Both teams are 3-0 in conference play.
 
The Warriors will play three games at home next week beginning with a non-conference match-up against Westcliff on Tuesday. On Friday, Westmont returns to GSAC play by hosting Life Pacific. Then on Saturday, the Warriors will welcome the Royals of Hope International to Murchison Gymnasium. All three games are scheduled for a seven o'clock start.