Warriors proved a lot against #4 Park Pirates
By: SID Chase Dodge
What Happened?
Westcliff (2-4) saw its toughest competitor yet in #4 Park Pirates (2-0). This was the 1st test for the Warriors in their ability to handle a superior opponent. Westcliff exceeded all expectations. Westcliff have a few things to work on but overall this squad is headed in the right direction. In the 1st set both sides fought for each precious point with the lead getting no larger than 3 points. Westcliff sealed the 1st set win off of some key kills to take it 25-23. The 2nd set showed the Pirates were worthy of their high national rank quickly gaining a lead of 4. The Warriors fought back cutting the lead within 2 and 1 points multiple times in the set. The Pirates however took the 2nd set 25-19. The 3rd set was just like the rest with both teams trying to get a rally in their favor. The set tied at 22-22 Warriors catch a break with a few Pirate attacking errors that allowed Westcliff to grab the 3rd set 26-24. The 4th and the 5th set the Pirates were in control of their fate. In the 4th set as a team the Park Pirates shot an impressive 54% with 17 kills and 0 errors. This performance allowed Park to tie the match and send it to the 5th. In the 5th set, The Pirates took the lead earlier. The Warriors fought to stay in the match. Park off of service aces were able close out the match 15-6. Even though the Warriors lost this fight, they were able to prove against a national ranked opponent. That they can fight with the best of them.
Final Score Westcliff Warriors 2 #4 Park Pirates 3; (25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 14-25, 6-15)
Top Performers:
Thomas Taufetee - 11 Kills and 6 Digs
Dane Johnson - 7 Kills, 5 Digs and 3 Blocks
Ghie Lubrica - 6 Kills and 29 Assists
Hendrik Duesterwald - 6 Kills and 6 Blocks
Coaches' Notes:
"We did a great job at staying in system and turning big defensive points. We just lacked urgency to close the set in 3,4,even 5. We will learn this from our matches and our experience playing together. All our athletes played well, but Thomas Taufetee really excelled and took his performance to another level following TJ Meyer who beat his record with a dig high this season. We are blessed for this opportunity given to us to play some big dogs on the road. We are looking forward to competing Sunday against Missouri Valley.
What's Next? Westcliff will play #8 Missouri Valley in a scrimmage on sunday the 23rd.