Win Gives Trojans Perfect MCC Season
November 04, 2009
The No. 16 Taylor volleyball team finished off a perfect 8-0 record in Mid-Central College Conference play with a 3-1 (25-19, 25-9, 22-25, 25-13) win over Goshen on Wednesday in the final match of the regular season.
"This is a wonderful team accomplishment," said Taylor head coach Brittany Smith, "one that this group has worked very hard to achieve. Taylor volleyball has a great tradition of excellence and to see the current team embrace that tradition and fight to defend it is exciting."
Taylor (31-5) is now officially the top seed in the upcoming MCC Tournament. The Trojans will host No. 8-seeded Grace in the first round next Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
Since 2007, Taylor has now won 20 consecutive MCC regular season matches, including back-to-back undefeated seasons. The last loss came at Saint Francis on Oct. 2, 2007.
Sophomore Kelsey Pritchard led Taylor with 21 kills for a .362 hitting percentage. Junior Jackie Geile also reached double figures with 13 kills. Sophomore Betsy Brown handed out 50 assists to seven different hitters. Sophomore Bethany Beck had a match-high three blocks.
Taylor freshman libero Courtney Herschberger, who played against sisters Brittany and Kelsey from Goshen for the first time in her career, took home match-high honors with 23 digs. Kelsey (21) and Brittany (20) led the Maple Leafs in the digs column.
The Trojans hit at a clip of .242 in the match compared to .064 for the Maple Leafs. The Taylor front row had a distinct size advantage that helped the Trojans to a 6-1 edge in blocks.
"We played like a true team tonight," Smith said. "We've been building trust and teamwork all season long and to see players fighting hard for each other is exactly where we need to be right now. When we play well, it's because we play as a team. When we struggle, it's because we play as individuals."
Goshen junior Peni Acayo led the Maple Leafs with 13 kills.
Taylor's two seniors-Colleen Nelis and Molly Larkin-were honored before the match as part of senior night festivities. The pair has compiled a 126-37 record and three straight MCC championships during their four year careers.
The winner of next week's MCC Tournament will advance to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.