WICHITA, Kan. — The Friends University Falcons recorded a decisive 3-0 victory over Hesston College on Saturday, winning by scores of 25-12, 25-16, 25-17. Friends University Volleyball went 2-0 this weekend, highlighted by a gritty reverse sweep that showed the heart and character of their program, as noted by Friends volleyball head coach Martin Ayin. "The Falcons battled through another strong stretch of competition, staying on track as we now turn our focus to a tough road trip ahead next week."
Friends University opened the first set with a strong start, taking an early 3-1 lead after a service ace from
Randi Reid.
Natalie Castillo showcased her offensive power with multiple kills, contributing significantly to Friends' scoring.
Emma Sargeant delivered a standout performance from the service line, recording three consecutive aces as part of a 9-0 run that extended Friends' lead to 14-5, prompting Hesston to call a timeout. Despite the Hesston Larks' efforts to close the gap, Friends maintained control and secured the set with a decisive 25-12 victory, highlighted by Castillo's six kills.
The Falcons asserted control early in the second set against Hesston, establishing a strong lead with a 5-0 run from 2-2 to 7-2, highlighted by a series of kills from
Gabbie Taylor and
Jayde Gonzalez. Reid played a pivotal role, assisting on multiple points, contributing to a 7-3 run that extended Friends' lead to 14-5. The Larks called a timeout after falling behind 12-4, but Friends maintained their momentum with service aces and consistent offensive pressure, including a notable service ace by Reid at 17-8. Despite a brief 4-0 run by Hesston to narrow the gap to 18-12, Friends responded with a strong finish, capitalizing on attack errors by their opponents to secure a decisive 25-16 victory in the set.
Friends University secured a decisive 25-17 victory over the Larks in the third set, driven by a series of strategic plays and impressive individual performances. The set opened with Reid contributing to early points, including a kill and an assist, helping Friends maintain a narrow lead.
Maddy Hildebrand stood out with crucial kills, supported by consistent setting from Reid, as Friends extended their lead to 19-10. Despite a brief comeback attempt by Hesston, featuring successful blocks by Joanna Gomez and Lydia Foster, Friends responded strongly. Taylor sealed the set with a service ace, concluding a well-rounded effort by Friends to take the set comfortably.
Friends Top Performers
Gabbie Taylor
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- 9 kills on 14 attempts with a .571 hitting percentage
- 3 service aces
- 6 digs
- 12 points
Natalie Castillo
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- 11 kills on 23 attempts with a .348 hitting percentage
- 11 points
Maddy Hildebrand
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- 10 kills on 15 attempts with a .600 hitting percentage
- 10 points
Randi Reid
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- 23 assists
- 2 service aces
Emma Sargeant
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- 18 assists
- 3 service aces
- 3 points
