By Jacob Norling
September 14, 2024
 
(SAN MARCOS, Calif.) Westmont Volleyball (5-2) saw their five-match winning streak come to an end on Saturday, when they ran into the buzzsaw that was the Western Oregon Wolves (7-0). The Wolves went just 10-16 in 2023, but have begun 2024 with a vengeance, and unfortunately, the Warriors were the next team in their way this weekend.
 
"We showed some perseverance in all three sets, but unfortunately they took it to us today," acknowledged Westmont head coach Ruth McGolpin. "It all started at the service line. They had 17 aces, and I mean, it was something. They are a high risk, high reward team, and today it paid off."
 
Westmont lost the first set 25-20, and both the second and third by the score of 25-17. As McGolpin mentioned four service aces from the Wolves set a tone in set one, before another six in set two. Seven more followed in set three, with number 17 pushing the Warriors to the brink at 24-15. Moments later, a Wolves kill gave Western Oregon a 25-17 win to cap off the sweep.
 
"I'm super proud of a couple people, still," reflected McGolpin. "Our two setters were strong, Rylee Elias played well, and even though the stats won't show it, Maddie Finnegan had a good game as well."
 
Individually, Alexa Shiner and Ella Hosfeld both finished with double-digit assists, with Shiner collecting 13 and Hosfeld adding 10 of her own. Elias led Westmont with six digs, while Finnegan's six kills led the Warriors as well.
 
Elsewhere for Westmont, Alexis Dennick led the team with five blocks.
 
The Warriors now turn their attention to their home opener on Saturday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m., when they play host to the Point Loma Sea Lions in their first PacWest game of 2024.
 
"It'll be a tough go against Point Loma," admitted McGolpin, "but these tournaments have prepared us well for what's to come in this PacWest conference. We're a good group, and I'm proud of the current culture of our team. I'm excited to see what we can do."