Box Score By Jacob Norling
October 26, 2024
 
(AZUSA, Calif.) Westmont Volleyball (10-9, 5-7 PacWest) were unable to overcome a slow start on Saturday, when the Warriors fell to the Azusa Pacific Cougars (12-7, 8-4) in four sets. A dismal first set allowed the Cougars to cruise to an early advantage, and while the Warriors played a more competitive brand of volleyball later, the Cougars would not allow the Warriors to force a fifth set.
 
In total, APU out-killed Westmont 60-49, with the home team holding Westmont to an attack percentage of .184 during the contest. Amongst other mishaps, the Warriors did not do themselves any favors at the service line, when the team committed a total of 10 service errors. A positive sign for Westmont was the fact that the team's blocking continued to improve, with the Warriors tallying 13 total blocks compared to APU's 10.
 
Individually, both Sara Krueger and Maddie Finnegan collected 11 kills, while Ella Hosfeld led the Warriors with 21 assists. Libero Rylee Elias led Westmont with 21 digs, and was also the team's lone player to tally multiple service aces.
 
Westmont dropped a forgettable first set 25-13, and was unable to rebound in set two, falling into a 2-0 hole after losing 25-21. The team's habit for displaying resilience showed itself in set three, however, with the Warriors down 24-19 in danger of being swept. A kill from Krueger began what became a five-point run to tie the contest, with a kill from the left-hander Audrey Hyde knotting things up at 24.
 
Then, Westmont's blocking came up huge when back-to-back solo blocks from Hyde and Taylor Distelberg put the finishing touches on a thrilling 28-26 comeback win.
 
Westmont flirted with forcing a fifth set, but after leading 20-19, the Warriors surrendered five-consecutive points to the Cougars, pushing Westmont to the brink at 24-21. Moments later, APU's 60th kill put the finishing touches on their 25-22 set win, and 3-1 match victory.
 
"It was a valiant effort in set three," said Westmont head coach Ruth McGolpin. "Obviously, it took a gritty effort to win set three, and I thought we had 'em in set four as well. Unfortunately, they're just a steady team, and created too many mistakes on our own end.
 
"It the end we needed to rip at the ball, and instead we were tipping it and we were tentative. We just have to continue to improve, and not only physically, but mentally prepare to beat teams who are higher than us in the PacWest standings. Still, I was proud of the way we fought at times."
 
Westmont will return to action next Friday night in Santa Barbara, when they host the Menlo Oaks at 7:00 p.m. on the Warriors' senior night.