(Mesa, AZ) The Park University Gilbert volleyball team dropped a thrilling five-set match to Simpson University 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 18-25, 25-20, 12-15). The Bucs fall to 5-9 overall and 3-5 in Cal Pac play. Simpson moves to 9-7, 7-1 in conference. This was the first time in its history Simpson beat Park.
Just as they did against Embry Riddle, the Bucs got off to a quick start winning the first set 25-19, Park Gilbert had 14 kills to only nine for Simpson.
The second set was a see-saw battle, as both teams held the lead during the set. Park built a 17-14 lead before a 5-0 Simpson run gave the Red Hawks the lead for good in the set. From there Simpson built the lead to 22-18 before finishing out the set. The Bucs actually won the kills battle in the set 16-15, but the Red Hawks had fewer errors (4-6) and a higher hitting percentage (.324-.275).
The third set saw the Bucs level drop and the Red Hawks took advantage winning the set in easy fashion 25-18. Park only had eight kills to 12 for Simpson.
It would have been easy for the Bucs to go away, but they responded with a strong effort in the fourth set. Park posted 14 kills with only one error for the set as they hit .406 and sent the match to a fifth and deciding set.
Momentum in the fifth set can rule or ruin the day. As can a call which doesn’t go your way. At 5-4 Simpson in the fifth set, Simpson outside hitter Tiara Manns hit a ball which went way out. It did not look as though it was touched and Park was awarded the point. But one of the line judges said the ball had hit a Park blocker and after a long consultation between officials the point was to Simpson. So instead of a 5-5 tie, the Bucs now trailed 6-4. And while the Bucs would fight back to take the next three points, instead of an 8-5 advantage it was a 7-6 lead. Simpson would retake the lead from there and while the Bucs would tie it a few more times. With the score at 11-11, the Red Hawks finished the match on a 4-1 run to take the match.
Both teams had 61 kills and were almost the same on errors (Park 21, SU 20). Simpson was a little more efficient as they only had 166 attempts to 180 for Park.
Railey Druxman led the team with 18 kills and 18 digs while hitting .283, while Mallory Turnerhad a career high 16 kills and hit .500. This was Druxman’s fifth double-double of the season.
The setting duo of Daniella Miranda Johnson (30) and Chloe Thomas (25) both set career highs for assists, while Thomas also posted her first career double-double as she added 10 digs.
Makayla Simmons added 16 digs and Lexi Golleher added 10.
The Buccaneers continue its three-match home stand tomorrow afternoon as they take on Pacific Union at Legacy Sports Park in Fieldhouse C. Match time is 3 p.m.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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