MARSHALL, MO- Grand View was back on the court after their matchup with Culver-Stockton as they took on Missouri Valley this afternoon. Grand View stumbled in the first set but would rally back to secure the win in 5 sets. With scores of 20-25, 25-16, 19-25, 25-21, and 15-12. This helps improve the Vikings to 3-0 in Heart Conference play.
SET 1: Grand View was in control in the early moments of the game as they took a 9-6 lead with a trio of
Daniel Galili aces. Mo Valley would rally back a little later as they took a 3 point lead. Bayron Valdez and
Leonardo Annichini each accounted for a handful of kills to keep the first match tight. Missouri Valley would start to pull away late and take the first set of the afternoon 25-15.
SETH 2: Mo Valley started out hot similar to the end of set number one but the Vikings put a stop to that quickly as they were able to build up a 5 point lead, 13-8 after a handful of attack errors by Mo Valley and a pair of Valdez Kills. Annichini would help turn up the heat for the Vikings in the later part of the second set as he picked up three kills, a block, and assisted
Daniel Wong on another one to go up ten points. Andre Lucas Alves would help out in building up the lead before Wiong and Valdez would close out the set with Kills to win 25-16.
SET 3: The third set would not favor Grand View as they struggled to hit the ball effectively as they only hit .133 compared to Mo Valley's .455. Grand View's 8 errors were the difference makers in set 3 as Mo Valley would take those opportunities and build up a handful of runs that would put the 3rd set out of reach. Galili would pick up a pair of aces in the set to help give the Vikings an opportunity down the stretch as well as
Ryan Griffel 3 kills in the set. Grand Views late rally would come up short as Mo Valley took set 3 25-19.
SET 4: Grand View got back on track in the 4th set as they jumped out to a 7-2 lead with a dominate start from Galili with 4 kills and a block to open the game. Any time Mo Valley would look to rally back into the match Valdez would put a stop to it with momentum stealing kills. Down the stretch Wong would serve as both the defensive anchor and an offensive spark as he quickly picked up a pair of kills and blocks that would allow the Vikings to sneak out a 25-21 win.
SET 5: In the decisive set 5 the teams would never allow much breathing room as neither team trailed by more than 2 points until end. Grand View was able to capitalize off of 4 errors and a low hitting % of .048 in the final set. Valdez was all over the place as he picked up 3 kills and a block in the final set before Galili and Wong would put the game away with the final three kills to take the game 15-12.
GAME NOTES:
WHAT'S NEXT?
Grand View finally plays their home opener in the Charles S. Johnson Wellness Center Tuesday, Feb 27th. The game is slated to start at 7PM against Mount Mercy. Don't forget to bring your stuffed animals to take part in the Teddy Bear toss during the match. All of the stuffed animals donated will be given to children in need across Des Moines.
