Volleyball Suffers Five-Set Heartbreaker to Webster
Published: April 13, 2021
GREENVILLE, Ill. - SLIAC foe Webster University handed Greenville College their first home loss in two years in front of a packed HJ Long Gymnasium Tuesday night.
In front of a near capacity crowd GC played steady in the opening sets of the match. Intense performances on both sides of the floor filled the arena with energy as the Panthers showed their composure, battling even with WU 2-2 heading into the decisive finale. Unfortunately for Greenville, the Lady Gorlocks claimed the final points of the fifth set and served the GC squad with their first home loss in 13 contests.
Sophomore OH Corinne Coon had a season and career high night, blasting 25 kills with a .345 average in the contest. Coons performance helped pace the Panthers to a 14.6 kill per-set average, and notch a season-high team total of 73 kills.
Greenville got off to an early lead, but couldn't hold on as Webster took the first set 25-22. The Panthers were only able to produce 10 kills in the first set and Webster's defense was impressive.
In set two GC would get back on track, battling through the adversity with a 25-22 win. Greenvilles collective 18 kills proved to be too much for the Gorlocks, as the tone was set for a thrilling night.
The third period showcased a back and forth battle and one of the best offensive games of the year for the Panthers. However, Webster displayed impressive defensive resolve despite 19 kills by the home team, and claimed an unbelievable set by a 26-24 margin.
In the fourth, another epic battle and a deafening crowed fueled the Panthers to respond with a 25-23 win. The victory knotted the conference duel at 2-2 and set the stage for the nights climax entering the fifth and final set.
Serving with a 13-12 lead in the nights closer, the Panthers were unable to terminate the Gorlocks due to Websters strong defense. Both squads battled to the breaking point, but it was WU that eked by with the 15-13 clincher.
"This was a great match and I have nothing but good things to say about Webster, commented head coach Tom Ackerman. I was impressed with their defense and ball control, but was pleased with our offensive performance. We just couldn't close it out when we needed to.
Following Coons lead offensively, freshman Nicole Schaeffer delivered 18 kills. Jannell Crow contributed 62 assists on the night from her setter position.
Senior Sydney Cooper had an excellent defensive game posting 37 digs, followed by junior Ansley Devreize with 16 and Schaeffer with 14. Junior Tricia Gall turned in a strong performance at the net, blocking three chances and posting a block assist.
Greenville College volleyball will return to action on Saturday, October 1 as they travel to Carlinville, Ill. and face Blackburn College at 10:00 am and follow with a match against Eureka College at noon.
