SALEM, Ore. – While only recording two blocks on the night, the No. 22-ranked Corban University volleyball team racked up 66 digs in a phenomenal defensive effort that led to a pivotal straight-set win (25-20, 25-20, 25-18) over Northwest University on Friday evening. For the Warriors, the win completes the regular-season sweep over the Eagles.
Click the 'Play Button' on the photo above for video highlights.
"The team worked hard and was very focused this week, knowing this was going to be a tough match," said Corban head coach Kim McLain. "Our defense played a relentless game pursing every ball."
Winners of three-consecutive matches now, Corban seemed to be firing on all cylinders at times offensively on Friday, and even when the Warriors weren't, great defensive plays bailed Corban out in key situations. Junior libero Haley Wells racked up 25 digs for the Warriors, tying her season-best mark to lead the way. While averaging 8.33 digs per set, Wells combined with the rest of the Warriors defensively to keep the Eagles at bay.
Northwest hit for just a .147 mark offensively on the night, while Corban hit for a .233 clip overall. Both sides seemed to be in each set all the way until late on, with the Warriors finishing stronger than the Eagles, closing each stanza with force en route to comfortable set triumphs.
Corban was led offensively by junior middle blocker Alaina Gentili with 16 kills, while junior outside hitter Amber Parker recorded 14 kills for the Navy and Gold. In addition, freshman outside hitter Adriana Aguayo was on fire all evening long, totaling 11 kills to provide a nice complement to Gentili and Parker.
Parker racked up 13 digs defensively for the Warriors, while sophomore setter Madison McLain and junior defensive specialist Kasey Calderon turned in nine digs each. In addition, freshman defensive specialist Lauren Condon provided eight key digs for the Warriors.
Keeping the offensive clicking on the night was McLain, as she totaled a match-high 39 assists.
For Northwest (13-7, 10-5 CCC), Morgan Pilon totaled 27 assists, while defensively, Amanda Waterman and Alysanna Van Dyke both recorded 16 digs to lead the Eagles' defense.
Corban (16-5, 12-3 CCC) now has a firm hold on second place in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) standings, but still has five key matches remaining in the regular season. The first of those matches is tomorrow when the Warriors take on The Evergreen State College at 3 p.m. in the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center.
Become a fan of Corban Athletics on Facebook
Follow Corban Athletics on Twitter @CorbanAthletics
Follow Corban Athletics on Instagram: corbanathletics
Follow Corban Athletics on Snapchat: corbanathletics
Watch Corban Warrior videos on Youtube: CorbanUAthletics
Sign up for our Corban Warriors email Newsletter
#WarriorNation
