[Volleyball] Volleyball Finishes 2-2 At Baker Inv.

Friends University Volleyball competed September 6 & 7 at the Baker University Invitational in Baldwin City, KS.

The Falcons first opponent on Friday afternoon was a familiar foe in fellow conference member Sterling College.

Friends University came out for each game ready for action and it showed. The Falcons defeated the Warriors 25-14; 25-13; 25-14 to sweep 3-0.

Senior Crystal Taporco once again provided the offensive punch with 15 kills and a hitting percentage of .765 %.  Hayley Young contributed with seven kills and a hitting percentage of .357. Young and senior Nicole Lund were stellar on the court with 20 and 23 assists respectively.

Friends University's next opponent was host Baker University. Playing immediately following the Sterling College match and facing a very solid Baker University Wildcat team the Falcons were defeated 13-25; 18-25; 23-25. Tarporco and Young were solid offensively with 11 and 9 kills respectively.

Saturday morning John Brown University stepped on the court as the Falcons next opponent. Rested and with a definite spring in their step Friends University defeated John Brown 25-23; 25-27; 25-21; 25-20.

Attacking with a vengeance the Falcons were once again led by Crystal Taporco with 21 kills and a hitting percentage of .400%. Ciara Lawson added 11 kills, Hayley Young 8 kills and Nicole Lund 7 kills as Friends University totaled a season high 56 kills. The Falcons hitting percentage for the match was solid at .215%.

In their final game of the invitational Friends University competed against Graceland University.

The Falcons were defeated 16-25; 20-25; 23-25, finishing the invitational with two wins and two losses.

In the Graceland match Crystal Taporco once again led Friends University with six kills. Ciara Lawson contributed five kills while Nicole Lund aided the effort with 13 setting assists. Hayley Young provided six setting assists but unfortunately the Graceland defense was effective in blocking several attempts by Falcon middle and outside hitters.

Coach Martin Ayin commented this was a really good tournament with top notch programs that help the Falcon Volleyball program to prepare for the upcoming conference season.

Friends University Volleyball will play an early season conference match Wednesday, September 11 when the University of St. Mary Spires come to the Garvey PE Center for a 7:00 p.m. match.