Following a sweep over Newman University the night before Washburn volleyball was back in action on Oct. 2 for an afternoon match against the University of Central Oklahoma. The Bronchos entered the match at 12-2 on the season and winners of its last five while the Ichabods began the day at 13-1 with a perfect record in MIAA play that they worked to keep intact.

“They were coming off of a big win over Nebraska Kearney also, I mean we were kind of geared up for it to be honest with you, we knew that they were going to be a really good team,” said Head Coach Chris Herron.

The start of the match was slower than most for Washburn, as Central Oklahoma overcame a 4-0 deficit to take a 10-9 lead. The Ichabods were able to flip the game quickly, making it a 20-15 set and forcing a timeout. They were led by senior middle hitter Kelsey Gordon who recorded five kills in Washburn’s first 20 points. After the timeout, the run did not stop as the Ichabods took all five ensuing points to secure a 25-15 first set victory. Senior setter Allison Sadler recorded 12 assists and six digs while senior libero Faith Rottinghaus added four assists and five digs.

The second set began much like the first with both teams unable to gain an advantage as they split the first 14 points seven each. It was Washburn who would be the first to get some breathing room. With a balanced offensive attack and by forcing attack errors on Central Oklahoma, they were able to take a 15-10 lead. The Ichabods run would not let up as they won ten of the final 15 points to take a 25-15 set victory. Freshman outside hitter Jalyn Stevenson paced the team with six kills while Sadler added 18 assists.

In the third set Washburn took control earlier than the first two, building a 9-6 lead with some help by errors from the Bronchos, forcing a timeout. The lead was never surrendered and continued to grow as the set drew closer to its close as the Ichabods took a 25-16 third set victory. Senior outside hitter Genna Berg and senior middle hitter Allison Maxwell each recorded four kills in the set while Sadler added six digs on her way to a career-high of 20 in the match.

“I think our scout was really good pre game, it just left us really open so my hitters are insane, and they played really good,” said Sadler. “It was just working and clicking, when we are on, we are on and so everything just felt good.”

The sweep moved Washburn to 14-1 on the year as they prepare for Missouri Southern in its next match on Oct. 8 in Lee Arena.

Edited by Ellie Walker