WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons started hot and managed to hold on for a 3-1 victory over the Central Christian College Tigers in their 2023 Garvey Center debut tonight (Sept. 6).

McKenzi Shurley was a top facilitator in the Falcons' sizzling start, hitting three kills to fuel an early 8-1 lead in the opening set.

The Falcons cruised to a 25-17 win to take the lead and again got off to a good start behind a pair of kills from Grace McClintock for a 10-4 edge in the second set.

Leading 22-14, two kills by Abigail Ellermann and a block from Shurley punctuated the set 25-18 and gave the Falcons a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

The Falcons trailed for much of the third set before charging back to hold off four set points and force a 24-24 gridlock.

Following two more ties, the Tigers finally closed it out with a kill each from Jordan Myers and Amanda Dotter to stay alive.

In the fourth set, the Falcons quickly stemmed the tide back in their direction when Payton Robbins exploded for three kills to spark an 8-1 start.

The Falcons never looked back from that point and emphatically closed out the match with a kill from McClintock for a 25-15 win.

"I am so proud of how our team stood together and came through with a big home opening win to start our homestand," said Friends volleyball head coach Martin Ayin. "They have worked very hard and leaned on each other to earn the win today."

McClintock led a balanced offensive attack with a team-leading 10 kills for the Falcons, with Emmah Sultz recording a career-best 23 assists.

Antonia Perier led everyone with 30 digs and Greely Munroe had 12 digs for Friends.

Kamryn Vanatta had team-best totals of 17 kills and 20 digs for Central Christian, while Zoe Smith had 17 assists.

The Falcons will remain at home and host Randall University Friday night (Sept. 8) starting at 7 pm.

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