Warriors Put Up Strong Effort Against No. 12 Bellevue

BELLEVUE, NE – The Waldorf volleyball team returned to NSAA conference play for an away match against (12)Bellevue University on Friday afternoon. The Warriors made a strong push in the third set to try and force a fourth, but ultimately fell in three.

In the first set, the Warriors hung in with the Bruins before they went on a 4-0 run. Anna Longhenry (SO/Fenton, IA) halted the run with a kill. 

The Warriors were able to rally to make it a three-point game at 13-16, but the Bruins capitalized on errors to take the first set 18-25.

The Warriors opened the second set with persistency by staying within one point behind the Bruins. Kills from Kenzie Kidd (SR/Roscoe, IL), Sydney Kidd (FR/Roscoe, IL), and Annie Stotlar (JR/Davenport, IA) kept them in the game.

Bellevue extended their lead by five at 18-23. Waldorf showed a strong push to end the set but lost 22-24.

In the third set, the Warriors trialed behind the Bruins throughout most of the set. Waldorf took advantage of Bellevue's errors to tie the game at 23. The Warriors had the lead at 24-23 and then again at 26-25, but the Bruins won 26-28.

Stotlar finished with a team high of eight kills, Sydney Kidd had seven and Longhenry added six. Emma Hovenga (SR/Forest City, IA) had 16 assists and Reinya Balderson (FR/Marshfield, WI) tallied 11. Kaylee Kidd led the back court defense with 16 digs and Kenzie Kidd added 13. Alicia Brandt (JR/Lakefield, MN) and Longhenry both had six block assists. 

"We love playing teams that are going to challenge us and have had the good fortune of starting conference play with two extremely high level opponents," Head Coach Bri Ebenhoe stated. "We continue to see growth and stay motivated to become better. Tomorrow is going to be another good test against a great team."

The Waldorf volleyball team now moves to 10-3, including a sweep from yesterday's match against Union College. The Warriors continue with conference play for a game against Dakota State in Madison, South Dakota tomorrow, September 23^rd starting at 1 pm.