By Ron Smith
March 25, 2021
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Westmont Volleyball (9-0, 6-0 GSAC), ranked fourth in the NAIA, swept the Royals of Hope International in both ends of a doubleheader this afternoon at Murchison Gymnasium. The Warriors won the first match by scores of 25-15, 25-15, 25-22, then took the second 25-15, 25-20, 25-21.
 
"We started off a little sluggish in the first set of the first match, but we quickly turned it on," acknowledged Westmont head coach Ruth McGolpin. "Our offensive prowess was on fire today. Some of the things we worked on in practice this week – running a triple block, coverage, tough serving and serve receive – were spot on.
 
"A highlight for me was Jessie Terlizzi who played right side for us," continued McGolpin. "She was on fire in both matches.
 
Terlizzi, a 6-0 freshman from Scottsdale, Arizona, tallied 13 kills in each match with a combined attack percentage of .434.
 
Also contributing offensively in the first match was senior outside hitter Hali Galloway with eight kills and a .313 attack percentage.
 
In the second match, sophomore middle blocker Lexi Malone matched Terlizzi's 13 kills while recording a .542 attack percentage.
 
Floor generals Sydney Dunn and Keelyn Kistner kept the offensive running effectively while notching 36 and 40 assists respectively over the two games. Senior Libero Madison Morrison recorded 36 digs.
 
"It was a great to see all our freshmen get playing time – Jordan Cusator, Phoebe Minch and Lilian Reininga," noted McGolpin. "It was fun to see that the future of Westmont volleyball will continue to stay bright."
 
Cusator and Minch combined for 17 kills while Reininga notched 26 digs.
 
The Warriors are scheduled to play again on Monday when they host Vanguard at 7:00 p.m.
 
"We are excited for our match on Monday against Vanguard, that is always a fun one," said McGolpin. "We continue to bring play as tough as we can on the defensive end and keep the ball rolling."
 
In accordance with state and local mandates, spectators will not be admitted to the games. However, fans can following the action on Westmont Sports Network's broadcast at https://athletics.westmont.edu/video.