By Kyle Manthe
The Washburn Review
After a sweep the night before, the No. 1-ranked Washburn volleyball team looked to complete a third straight perfect match in an afternoon matchup Saturday against the streaking Bronchos of Central Oklahoma, who entered second in the MIAA behind only the Ichabods.
The match was one that the Ichabods were excited about heading into the week.
“They were coming off of a big win over Nebraska-Kearney also, I mean we were kind of geared up for it to be honest with you, we knew that they were going to be a really good team,” said Washburn coach Chris Herron.
Washburn was able to buck the Bronchos, defeating them in three sets, 25-15, 25-15, 25-16, building its lead in the MIAA standings with a perfect 6-0 conference record.
Senior setter Allison Sadler had a big match Saturday afternoon as No. 1-ranked Washburn volleyball swept Central Oklahoma. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/The Washburn Review]
The first set started slow by the Ichabods' high standards, as they trailed 10-9 nearly halfway through. Ultimately efficient attacking and all-around play from senior setter Allison Sadler was enough to secure a set win. Sadler notched 12 assists and six digs in the first set alone on her way to a career-high 20 digs in the match for the fifth-year senior.
“I don’t know, it was just working and clicking, when we are on we are on and so everything just felt good,” said Sadler.
Washburn started slow again in the second set but would once again storm back in the back half, winning 10 of the last 15 points to take the set. That time it was freshman outside hitter Jalyn Stevenson who led the way with six kills in another standout performance.
By the third set the Ichabods had begun to wear down Central Okahoma, and the team's persistent attacking forced the Bronchos into six attack errors in the set. The balanced offense of Washburn kept it in control for the entirety of the set as they completed the sweep.
“Well, we were pretty good, I can’t say that every time we play, but we were pretty good tonight,” said Herron. “We were able to beat them in transition, they didn’t handle us in transition, so I think that was the difference in the game.”
In addition to her career high 20 digs Sadler recorded 45 assists, her third highest total of the year. Behind her senior libero Faith Rottinghaus finished with 17 digs.
Washburn volleyball celebrates a kill from freshman Jalyn Stevenson (10) during Saturday's 3-0 sweep over Central Oklahoma. [Photo by Kyle Manthe/TSN]
Up front Stevenson led the way with 13 kills while seniors Kelsey Gordon and Genna Berg were in double digits with 11 and 10 kills, respectively, as the Ichabods moved to 14-1 on the season.
MATCH RESULTS
Washburn def. Central Oklahoma, 25-15, 25-15, 25-16.
