DES MOINES, IOWA – The Grand View Women's Volleyball team hosted the No. 21-ranked Central Methodist University Eagles Friday evening in their annual Dig Pink game. The Heart of America Conference matchup featured high-energy play and an electric crowd, but despite the Vikings' resilience, Central Methodist ultimately took the match in four sets, with scores of 19-25, 25-22, 23-25, and 20-25.
The opening set displayed strong offensive efforts from both teams. The Vikings momentum was sparked by an early solo block from
Sydney Beasley, helping Grand View take an early lead. Long rallies emphasized the Vikings' defensive drive, though Central Methodist's offensive pressure ultimately resulted in a 25-19 set loss for Grand View.
Brooklyn Roder led the Vikings' offense in the set with four kills.
In the second set, the Vikings fought to stay even with the Eagles. Capitalizing on Central Methodist's errors, along with a timely service ace from
Clarissa Hasty, Grand View pulled ahead for the first time at 21-20. Kills from the trio of
Jenna Bentz,
Brooklyn Roder, and
Chevy Wagner-Chun, along with a service ace from
Anna Takushi, sealed the set win for the Vikings, 25-22. Eight different Vikings recorded kills in the set, displaying their well-balanced offensive attack.
The third set saw Grand View's most efficient offensive performance, recording 16 kills with a .419 hitting percentage, the highest of the night.
Ellie Dougherty led the efforts with four kills and two blocks for the Vikings, allowing them to maintain an early lead for most of the set. However, a late five-point rally from Central Methodist shifted momentum, edging out the Vikings, 25-23, despite late set kills from
Brooklyn Roder and
Kaylee Stalder.
In the fourth and final set, the Vikings continued to battle with intensity.
Ellie Dougherty remained an offensive force with five kills. Despite Grand View's efforts, Central Methodist secured the set, 25-20, taking the 3-1 match win. The match brings Grand View's conference record to 9-4.
GAME NOTES
UP NEXT
The Vikings face a quick turnaround, returning for action tomorrow, Saturday, October 25
th, to host Missouri Valley University and honor their seniors on Senior Day.
