EUREKA, Ill. - The Beloit College volleyball team had a thrilling day with both matches at the Eureka Tri-match going to five-sets. The Buccaneers (2-3, 0-0 MWC) faced off against Rockford University in their first match. The Regents (1-3, 0-0 NACC) ultimately secured the victory (3-2) with set scores of 25-19, 9-25, 25-22, 25-22, 11-15. In their second match of the day, the Bucs faced the home team, the Eureka Red Devils. Eureka College emerge victorious with a 3-2 win (18-25, 25-21, 25-11, 19-25, 15-9).
Match 1 vs RU:
The match began with Rockford taking the first set 25-19. However, Beloit roared back in the second set, dominating Rockford with a 25-9 victory. This strong performance showcased Beloit's potential and ability to control the game.
Maddisyn Adams (Stockett, MT) was a consistent force for Beloit, leading the team in kills with 9 and contributing significantly to the team's offense. Adams led the back line for the Bucs as well, recording a team-high 14 digs. Naomi Murphy (Dubuque, Iowa) also had a strong offensive showing with 8 kills, proving to be a reliable attacker. Aaliyah Gerard (Aiea, HI) excelled in setting up plays, recording 19 assists, which was crucial for Beloit's offensive flow. Lizzie Paschal (Holbrook, AZ) showed her all around abilities as well, racking up 14 assists, 11 digs and five kills.
Beloit's tenacity was evident in their improved performance throughout the match, particularly in the sets they won and their strong showing in transition attacks. The team's ability to earn sideouts improved from 40% in the first set to 64% in the fourth set, indicating their growing momentum and ability to convert defensive plays into offensive opportunities.
Match 2 vs EC:
The Buccaneers started strong, taking the first set with a decisive 25-18 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess with a .171 hitting percentage. Key players like Adams and Selin Tufte (Clarkdale, Ariz.) contributed early points, and the team's defense held strong.
However, Eureka responded by claiming the next two sets. In the second set, Beloit's hitting percentage dropped to -.047, allowing Eureka to take a 25-21 win. The third set saw Eureka dominate with a 25-11 score, as Beloit struggled to find their rhythm, hitting .000.
Beloit rallied in the fourth set, demonstrating their resilience with a 25-19 win. The team's hitting improved to .206, and strong defensive plays helped them force a fifth and final set.
The deciding fifth set was a close battle, but Eureka ultimately pulled ahead, winning 15-9. Beloit's hitting percentage in the final set was -.115.
