Washburn University volleyball added another win to its record after sweeping Minnesota State University Moorhead Sept. 12.

The senior duo of senior setter Corinna McMullen and senior outside hitter Bella Limback showcased their leadership by leading the Ichabods in assists (20) and kills (11), respectively. 

“We’ve been here for a long time and we just want to show the younger classmen what it’s like to play Washburn volleyball,” McMullen said. “It’s about grit, it’s about toughness, it’s about family. I think that’s what we’re focusing on for our leadership this year.”

All three sets saw a number of lead changes and momentum swings, with the end of the second set featuring the most notable shift in rhythm. 

The Dragons held a steady lead, but the Ichabods gained momentum and overtook Moorhead with only 4 points left. Junior libero Taylor Rottinghaus and sophomore outside hitter Emery Keebaugh strung together back-to-back digs and kills, giving the Ichabods a 24-21 lead. It was sophomore outside hitter, Brynne Topolski who drove in the nail and closed out the second set off a kill from the right side. 

There was no clear forerunner for the first 17 points of the third set, but the Ichabods pulled away with a 5-point run and completed the sweep. 

Adding another win to the column brought the team one step closer to their ambitious goals. 

“We set a goal of going to the national tournament,” Limback said. “We also set a goal of winning conference, and those are really high goals, especially in the MIAA. There’s a lot of big dogs, but we’re also one of them.”

Head coach Chris Herron was glad to add another win to the column and began focusing on only the next game ahead. The Ichabods faced and swept both Newman University and William Jewel College the following day to give Washburn a 4-0 record at the Washburn Invitational. 

Edited by Arohi Rai and Bidhya Sapkota