BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — Baker University (8-4, 2-2) defeated Friends University (11-4, 0-0) in four sets on Saturday, with set scores of 25-17, 23-25, 25-9, 25-19, as the Wildcats tallied 65 kills to secure the victory.

The first set opened with Friends and Baker trading points early, but Baker managed to pull ahead with a series of kills by Kohanihokuao Misipeka and Taryn Dial. Friends responded with a timeout at 18-8 to halt Baker's momentum, and Grace McClintock and Gabbie Taylor contributed to a small rally with key kills. Despite Friends' efforts to close the gap, Baker closed out the set 25-17 with consistent offensive pressure.

The second set began with a balanced exchange between the teams, highlighted by Natalie Castillo's early kill from Randi Reid. The Falcons gained momentum with a timely timeout at 11-11, soon capitalizing on a series of Wildcats errors to edge ahead. Taylor was instrumental in closing the set, contributing multiple kills, including the decisive point at 25-23, assisted by Emma Sargeant.

The third set commenced with Friends trailing after an early point by Baker. Despite a valiant effort, the Falcons struggled against Baker's momentum as they went on a six-point surge to lead 7-1, prompting a strategic timeout by Friends. Taylor's kill and a service ace from Reid provided brief respite, yet the Wildcats maintained control, ultimately closing the set 25-9 after a series of attack errors by Friends and decisive plays by Baker.

The fourth set began with Friends taking an early lead due to a setting error from the Wildcats but quickly saw Baker respond with a series of successful plays, including consecutive kills by Misipeka and Meredith Brown, stretching their lead to 7-1. However, the Falcons regrouped following a timeout and mounted a comeback with Reid serving three consecutive points, including a service ace and a block shared by McClintock and Jayde Gonzalez, to narrow the gap. Despite Friends' late efforts, including a service ace by Tammy Melendez that prompted a timeout by Baker, Baker ultimately closed the set with a 25-19 victory after a kill by Brie Reedy.

The Falcons will next be at Manhattan Christian College Tuesday (Sept. 23) at 6 pm before opening KCAC play at Bethany College Saturday (Sept. 27) at 2 pm in Lindsborg, Kan. 

Friends University Top Performers

Gabbie Taylor  
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- 13 kills on 37 attempts with a .324 hitting percentage  
- six digs  
- two block assists  
- 14 points total  

Natalie Castillo  
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- five kills on 21 attempts with a .190 hitting percentage  
- two solo blocks  
- four block assists  
- nine points total  

Emma Sargeant  
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- 16 assists  
- three digs  

Randi Reid  
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- 14 assists  
- two service aces  
- 10 digs  

Baker University Top Performers

Reese Kehl  
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- 10 assists  
- 25 digs  

Brie Reedy  
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- 11 kills  
- 6 blocks  
- 14 points  

Meredith Brown  
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- 11 kills  
- .529 hitting percentage  
- 3 blocks  

Taryn Dial  
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- 24 assists  
- .833 hitting percentage  
- 13 digs  

Kohanihokuao Misipeka  
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- 18 kills  
- 17 digs  
- 21 points