Manhattan, Kan. -- The Friends University Falcons secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Manhattan Christian College on Tuesday evening (Sept. 23) in Manhattan, Kan. 

The Falcons took the first two sets 25-22, 25-22 before dropping the third set 24-26. They clinched the match by winning the fourth set 25-21. The team recorded 10 service aces in the match, contributing significantly to their win. 

"That was a gritty win tonight against a very scrappy MCC team," said Friends volleyball head coach Martin Ayin. "We came out strong, and by the end of the match things really started to click for us. Our back-row defense made a huge stand, and that toughness gave our offense the chance to respond in key moments." 

Friends Top Performers

Natalie Castillo  
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- 15 kills on 27 attempts with a .519 hitting percentage  
- three block assists  
- 16.5 points  

Sofia Mekelburg  
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- 12 kills on 26 attempts with a .385 hitting percentage  
- 13 points  
- seven digs  

Grace McClintock  
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- 12 kills on 27 attempts with a .370 hitting percentage  
- two block assists  
- 13 points  

Randi Reid  
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- 24 assists  
- 13 digs  
- four service aces  

Erin Cheatum  
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- 16 digs  
- two service aces  
- three assists  

Manhattan Christian Top Performers
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Ellie Suber  
- 45 assists  
- 13 digs  

Abby Blake  
- 24 digs  

Hannah Beukelman  
- 13 kills  
- .417 hitting percentage  
- 13.5 points  

Ellie Wilson  
- 14 kills  
- .344 hitting percentage  
- 14 points  

Liv Lubbers  
- 10 kills  
- 12 digs  
- 1 block assist