by Madison Parrot, Athletic Communications
Ranger’s volleyball responded to Tuesday night’s loss in sensational fashion. After dropping the first two sets to Southern Nazarene, Northwestern answered with three straight wins to take the match 3-2.
Three different Rangers had ten kill games. Kiauna Clark earned 10 kills.
Kaydee Honeycutt and Kate Deterding also had ten kills each. Sydnee Miller led the team in digs with 26 while Kaitlyn Robinson led in assists with 32.
The first set was mainly controlled by SNU as there was only one tie and zero lead changes throughout the set. SNU would use their 17 kills through the first set to win the first one.
After the Crimson Storm opened the match with a 23-14 lead there was a sudden spark in the Northwestern team.
The spark came after Head Coach Fred Aubuchon received a yellow card, but unfortunately it was too late to finish the comeback as NWOSU dropped the first set 25-18. However, it carried into the rest of the match.
The second set was the closest of the match. There was a ton of energy from both teams as they traded point after point.
This was a set that featured 11 ties and four lead changes which was the most for both categories in the match.
The third set is where the match took the turn. After the close second set the crowd helped take over the match. After trading multiple points early on NWOSU rode an 8-0 run to take a 22-14 lead to take over the set.
Steered by a balanced attack from seniors Clark, and Jennifer Eubanks, who combined for 3.5 blocks and 4 kills. Rangers would finish the set and won by a score of 25-19. The crowd erupted after getting the first set win and never quieted down.
The fourth set started a little shaky as SNU opened a 4-0 lead. After an early timeout called by Aubuchon the Black-and-Red came out aggressively.
The Rangers immediately went on a 9-0 run led by Honeycutt’s challenging serves. The Rangers snagged the lead and never let go of it taking the fourth set with a score of 25-18.
The Rangers picked where they left off as they gained the lead from attacking early and often. A huge kill by Clark, one of two in the set was the turning point for the Black-and-Red.
Northwestern finished with a 15-8 set win and the crown exploded with excitement.
As students stormed onto the court it was hard not to see how excited the fan-base was for the huge come from behind win.
“Comeback wins in any sport are very special, but it means a little more to do it on your home floor,” stated Coach Aubuchon after the game. “I’m very proud of how our team responded in this difficult situation, especially against a great team like SNU. That being said, there is no doubt our fans were the driving force behind this victory! The win absolutely goes to Ranger Nation.”