(Mesa, AZ) One of the hallmarks of the 2022 version of the Park University Gilbert volleyball team is its depth and versatility. The Buccaneers don’t have to rely on one player to perform well to win. As a matter of fact, they usually see multiple players contribute to the cause. This was certainly the case tonight as the Bucs (19-8, 12-4 Cal Pac) swept UC Merced (10-13, 7-9) for the second time this season 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-20).
With the win, the Buccaneers clinched a berth in the Cal Pac Conference Tournament for the second season in a row.
The Buccaneers had three players with double digit kills, led by Maggie Scranton with 12 kills off the bench. The Bucs had five players overall with six kills or more.
When these two teams met a month ago in Merced, Calif., the Buccaneers dominated the action not allowing the Bobcats more than 16 points in any set. UCM topped this total in every set this time around, but never really contended in any set as the Bucs would make the key play when necessary to the extend their advantage.
In the first set, UCM and Park Gilbert were knotted 10-all before a 9-3 run by Park put it in control and it would roll to a five-point first set win.
The second set looked a lot like the sets earlier in the year. The Buccos jumped out 14-6 lead and it looked like it might be a quick set, but the Bobcats did not go quietly, cutting the deficit to two after going on an 8-3 run. Park had a response as they finished the set with a 9-4 run to earn a seven-point second set victory.
In the final set, Merced held the lead for a good portion of the set, but it was never more than a three-point advantage. Then down 18-17, the Bucs rallied behind their versatility with an 8-2 run behind kills from four different players and an ace from Jessi Medlin.
The Bucs outhit the Bobcats 49-24 in kills and hit .340 as a team. The Bucs had nine service aces and 48 digs.
Along with Scranton’s 12 kills and .556 hitting percentage, Amanda Jonovichposted another double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs. Railey Druxmanalmost joined her with 10 kills and nine digs. Makenna Busse had eight kills and hit .538.
Setters Jenifer Lauer (21) and Annika Wallace (19) combined for 40 of the Bucs 44 assists. Hattie Patton who set a Park record for digs in a three-set match at Merced with 24 did not quite get back to that number this time, but still put up an impressive 18 digs in three sets.
Since losing in five sets at Saint Katherine to start the second half of the conference season, Park Gilbert has not lost a set. The Buccaneers have won five matches and 15 sets in a row.
The Bucs are now playing for seeding in the conference tournament and look to stay on the winning track tomorrow night as they take on Simpson at Bell Bank Park at 7 p.m.
Press Release courtesy of Park University – Preston English
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