Fulton, Mo. – The Friends University Falcons made it three wins in four matches at the William Woods Invitational with straight set victories over Graceland University and Justice University yesterday (Aug. 22) in Fulton, Mo.
Trailing 23-21 in the opening set to Graceland, a kill by Maddy Hildebrand ignited the Falcons to score four of the final five points to escape with a 26-24 win.
The Falcons then dominated the next set 25-16 to take a commanding 2-0 lead before pulling out a 25-20 win in the third set to finish off the sweep. It was a 19-18 edge in the third set when two kills by Gabbie Taylor fueled a 6-2 run to close out the match.
Taylor had a spectacular game of 10 kills and no errors to lead the Falcons' offensive attack against Graceland. Randi Reid had 16 assists and 10 digs, with Jacey Moulton leading Friends with 17 digs.
The Falcons then blitzed Justice with a .488 hitting percentage to cruise to a 25-20, 25-14 and 25-11 victory to close out the season opening weekend in style.
Taylor and Jayde Gonzalez each paced the Falcons with nine kills, while Reid recorded 22 assists and Moulton produced 11 digs.
Friends pounded in 43 kills against just two errors in the victory over Justice.
"This weekend reminded me why I love coaching – our players competed with heart, leaned on each other in tough moments, and showed what it means to be part of Falcon Volleyball," Friends volleyball head coach Martin Ayin said. "The growth, grit, and the togetherness were bigger wins than any scoreboard."
The Falcons will next play at home against Arlington Baptist and the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis Friday evening (Aug. 29) at 5 & 7 pm inside the Garvey Center.
