By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
No. 10-ranked Washburn University volleyball posted a second straight MIAA sweep Friday, taking care of Newman in three sets in Wichita.
After taking the first set 25-15, Washburn (14-1 overall, 3-1 MIAA) improved in each of the next two sets, defeating Newman (2-13, 0-4) 25-13 and 25-12 to close out the match.
No. 10-ranked Washburn volleyball improved to 14-1 with Friday's sweep at Newman. [File photo/TSN]
The Jets hung close to begin the first set, with both sides splitting the first 20 points.
Alex Dvorak slammed down a kill from Corinna McMullen, which opened a 7-0 Washburn scoring run capped off by an ace from Taylor Rottinghaus. The Ichabods held onto the advantage, finishing off the set with a 5-0 run and an ace by Kali Henry.
In the second set Washburn jumped out to an 8-3 advantage that quickly grew to 15-6 after a block by Bella Limback and Brynne Topolski. After hitting under .200 in the first set it was the offense that led the charge, hitting .370 as a team in the second to take the 12-point win.
The momentum continued into the third set, with the Ichabods leading 7-2 after a kill by Emery Keebaugh. Newman pulled back within three points before Washburn responded with a 5-0 run. The Ichabods kept the Jets out of arms reach the rest of the way, finishing the set off with four points and a kill by Layla Collins to end the match.
Washburn out-hit Newman in the match .286 to -.009 while recording 41 kills to just 22 for the Jets with 23 errors. Digs went in favor of the Ichabods 52-39 as did assists, 38-19.
It was a balanced effort offensively for the Ichabods with 10 players recording kills led by eight from Austin Broadie while hitting .375. Limback, Keilah Rivers and Keebaugh all had seven kills. McMullen registered a double-double with 20 assists and 10 digs while Rottinghaus led the defensive effort with 13 digs.
Washburn volleyball coach Chris Herron reached 1,100 career wins with Friday's sweep at Newman. [File photo/TSN]
With the win, WU coach Chris Herron reached 1,100 career coaching victories between his time coaching in high school and college.
The Ichabods will wrap up their road trip on Tuesday against Emporia State.
