Second-place IWU topples GC in straight sets
By Chandler Ingle
Sports Information Intern
MARION, Ind. — The struggles continued for the Goshen College women’s volleyball team Saturday afternoon as the women were defeated in straight sets by 20th-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University 15-25, 17-25, 16-25 at IWU’s Luckey Arena.
The match marked Goshen’s second in as many days against a nationally-ranked opponent and top contender in the Crossroads League. The win for the no. 20 ranked Wildcats (12-3, 6-1 CL) keeps them just one game in behind Goshen’s previous opponent, Marian University, in the CL standings.
Action throughout all three sets remained fairly even throughout until the latter stages. A prime example of this came in the second set as Goshen and IWU worked their way to a deadlock at 15 before a barrage of Wildcat attacks led them to close out the frame with 10 of the next 12 points.
Freshman Taylor Eash led the Leafs (7-9, 0-5) in kills for the first time in her career with six in 14 attempts. Her .429 hitting percentage was the highest on the team of those that attempted at least two attacks, but Goshen hit .119 as a team. Junior Hallie Vanitvelt led the Leafs in both assists and defensive digs with 12 and six respectively.
The Wildcats outperformed the visiting Leafs in several categories, but their striking numbers proved most impressive as the Wildcats registered 49 kills to Goshen’s 27. IWU finished the contest with an impressive .384 hitting percentage. The Wildcats also out-assisted Goshen to the tune of 49-23 and limited GC’s usually-potent net defense to three blocks.
Tay Thomas led IWU with 18 kills on 24 swings, getting help from Katie Cole and Emily Workman with 26 and 18 assists respectively. Banner Rodgers led all players with 16 digs.
The Goshen women will look to crack the win column in the CL as they hit the road for their third straight match this Wednesday at Grace College. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
Goshen College is an affordable, nationally-ranked Christian liberal arts college in Northern Indiana known for leadership in intercultural and international education, sustainability and social justice.
The Maple Leafs compete in 13 varsity sports in the NAIA’s highly competitive Crossroads League, continuing a tradition of intercollegiate athletics that dates to 1956 and included women’s competition nearly a decade before Title IX. For more information on GC athletics, visit www.GoLeafs.net and follow the Maple Leafs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @GCMapleLeafs.