WHITEWATER, Wis. – Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team earned a split in Friday's competition at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena, sweeping Lawrence University before falling to No. 4 Wisconsin-Whitewater later that evening.
The Cowgirls opened play with a dominant 3-0 (25-19, 25-10, 25-12) win over Lawrence. Hardin-Simmons posted an impressive .338 hitting percentage while limiting the Vikings (15-8, 1-2 MWC) to a negative hitting percentage.
Sophomore
Rachel Nordt led with eight kills and a .500 hitting mark, while
Liz Keidl added seven kills at a .417 hit-percentage.
Jadyn Hernandez contributed six kills and one block assist, and
Keatyn Rodgers paced the offense with 12 assists. The Cowgirls tallied eight service aces, including two each from
Leigh Jespersen and
Gabby Jones.
In the second match, Hardin-Simmons fell in a competitive 3-1 (28-26, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20) decision to host Wisconsin-Whitewater (17-2, 2-1 WIAC).
Leigh Jespersen and
Abbi Allen each notched 13 and 11 kills, respectively, while
Keatyn Rodgers and
Allison O'Shaughnessy combined for 39 assists, with 23 and 16, respectively.
Kat Martinez anchored the defense with a match-high 27 digs, and
Ari Villanueva added 14 digs and three service aces. Despite out-hitting the Warhawks in the second set, HSU couldn't overcome 32 attack errors across four sets.
Avery Tumlinson finished with seven blocks for the Cowgirls and Allen had six blocks against No. 4 Whitewater.
Hardin-Simmons ended Friday 14-5 and will continue at Wis.-Whitewater on Saturday playing against UW-Stevens Point and Carroll at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
--- www.hsuathletics.com ---
