On Friday, Nov. 3, Washburn hosted an MIAA matchup against the University of Central Oklahoma. After five grueling sets, it was the Bronchos who came out victorious.
The Bronchos started off hot in the first set acquiring a 6-1 lead. Scoring went back and forth for the remainder of the set, but the Ichabods couldn’t overcome the early deficit as they fell 25-20.
Set two belonged to the Ichabods as they cruised to a commanding lead of 24-12. A late 4-point rally by the Bronchos prompted a score of 25-16.
The first point of the third set was obtained by the Bronchos, which then extended to a 7-2 lead. The Ichabods then found their groove and, for the first time in the entire match, a lead change occurred and put Washburn ahead 16-15. However, the Bronchos were able to answer and took the set 26-24.
The beginning of the fourth set was not dominated by either team as the first 18 points were split 9-9. The Ichabods picked up some momentum rolling to 16-12 and were able to carry it throughout the rest of the set winning 25-18.
Tied at two sets a piece, the fifth set began with a 5-2 lead for the Ichabods. Both teams battled back and forth as the Ichabods reached match point up 14-12. Four consecutive points willed the Bronchos to take the set 16-12 and win the contest 3-2.
Jalyn Stevenson, junior outside hitter and 2022 All-American, notes her thoughts on the outcome of the game.
“This loss is a little disheartening, but I want to be proud of our team’s efforts,” Stevenson said. “It’s a mix of emotions.”
Chris Herron, Washburn volleyball head coach, said that the loss leaves a nasty taste, but is able to acknowledge aspects from that game that he was proud of.
“We did so many things well,” Herron said. “The biggest thing is that our kids showed some dog [fight] tonight and I liked that.”
Herron explains that it can be easy to check out when you’re losing 2-1 sets and down in the fourth set, but his team showed no quit as they rallied back to force a fifth set.
Game leaders for the Bronchos were Lindsey Houran (58 assists), Jaedynn Evans, (37 digs), Mallorie Koehn (15 kills) and Jenna Karp (10 blocks).
Ichabod leaders consisted of Corinna McMullen (26 assists), Taylor Rottinghaus (22 digs), Jalyn Stevenson (15 kills) and Iyannah Jackson (4 blocks.)
Additionally, Herron gave a shout out to two more of his athletes that he appreciated efforts from in the contest.
“Austin Broadie came in and did a really good job serving and playing defense, which typically aren’t her forte,” Herron said. “I also thought Taryn Pridgett was really good tonight.”
Stevenson is a veteran on this Ichabod squad and a crucial asset to the team’s performance as she did not get subbed out a single time during the match. She remarked on how the team can turn it around in their upcoming game.
“We have had a great week of practice,” Stevenson said. “So we just need to focus on that and continue to keep working and improve with a positive attitude.”
Washburn had their senior night game the following day defeating Pittsburg State 3-1.
Edited by Morgan Albrecht and Jeremy Ford
