Pritchard's Big Night Leads No. 19 Trojans
September 09, 2009
Kelsey Pritchard had a season-high 22 kills to lead the No. 19 Taylor volleyball team over Marian University 3-1 (13-25, 25-8, 25-21, 25-13) in the Trojans' Mid-Central College Conference opener. Taylor improves its record to 6-1 overall and 1-0 in the MCC.
After dropping the opening set 25-13, the Taylor offense was sparked by Pritchard's seven kills in the following set as the Trojans dominated the Knights 25-8. Taylor had 11 kills and just two attacking errors to hit at a .391 clip.
"Once we got through our first MCC-match jitters, I thought the team executed very well and stayed on task with the game plan," said Taylor head coach Brittany Smith.
Set three saw the Knights battle back for a much more competitive set, but again it was Pritchard that stole the show. Playing in front of her hometown crowd, the Indianapolis native pounded eight more kills for an attack percentage of .538. Sophomore setter Betsy Brown dished out 14 assists in the third set, as the Trojans won 25-21.
A strong defensive performance paced the Trojans to a 25-13 win in the final set. Taylor had four blocks by four different players and 21 digs for the set, including eight from Jackie Geile. The junior outside hitter finished the match with a team-high 19 digs.
"It was great to see our offense and defense work together so well in tandem," said Smith. "We're young, but it's exciting to see the progress that's taking place each match."
The reigning MCC Player of the Week, Pritchard finished the night with the third double-double of her career after recording 10 digs to go along with her 22 kills and .370 attacking percentage.
Middle blockers Rachel Kizer, Colleen Nelis, and Bethany Beck controlled the net for the Trojans by each knocking down three blocks.
Freshman libero Courtney Herschberger led Taylor with three aces. She was second on the team with 14 digs for the match.
Rachel Klene and Sadie Dizney paced the Marian offense with 12 kills apiece.
Taylor will now travel west for the Graceland (Iowa) University Invitational this weekend, Sept. 11 and 12. On Friday, the Trojans will meet host Graceland at 12:30 pm CST followed by Missouri Baptist at 4:45 pm CST. Saturday match times will be determined after Friday's results are compiled.
Follow www.taylor.edu/athletics and www.twitter.com/taylorvball for tournament news and scores throughout the weekend.