The Ichabod Volleyball team welcomed the University of Central Missouri to Washburn Sept. 29 and faced them in a close meeting that would last five sets. 

After a hard-fought night, Washburn won the match 3-2.

The Ichabods started the night strong, going up 3-0 immediately. They got ahead 5-2 and then 12-6. However, the mules were not to be left behind, as they rallied again to pull up one point behind Washburn at a score of 18-19. Then, UCM managed to finally get ahead of the Ichabods and finished off the initial set with a win of 25-22.

The second set started close, with both teams scoring quickly. Washburn gained steam and created a separation of five points at 14-9. The Mules got within a couple of points a few times, but the Ichabods pushed ahead and finished off the set 25-19.

The third set started in the same fashion, but the Mules eventually gained momentum and put some distance between the two teams. They got up by scores of 8-3, 13-6, and 16-11 before winning the set 25-18.

In the potentially final set of the night, Washburn started fast, getting up 3-1, but the mules brought the score back to a tie quickly. After seeing multiple ties in this set, the mules started to get ahead, looking to finish off the night. However, Washburn wouldn’t be counted out as they surged past the mules with four points to win the set 25-23.

With both teams looking to end the night with a win, the final set yet again started close, until the mules pulled ahead 6-3. Washburn responded with a burst of scoring and put themselves ahead by a comfortable seven points with the score at 14-7. 

They proceeded to finish of the set with score of 15-8 and the night with a score of 3-2. Their season record improved to 11-6.

The star of the night for the Ichabods had to be Allison Sadler. Sadler posted a career high 60 assists, which is also a season high for the Ichabods. Genna Berg led Washburn with 15 kills, followed by Makayla Maxwell and Erica Montgomery with 14 each. Allison Maxwell, with 13, and Taylor Selk,with 11, rounded the five Ichabods with double-digit kills on the night. Allison Maxwell also had a career high six blocks, along with Faith Rottinghaus’ 21 digs in a strong performance on defense by the Ichabods.

Coach Chris Herron said that was the best performance of the year for Ichabods.

“We made a few mistakes in the first set, but the freshman are starting to get a groove and step up. We had five [atheltes] in double digits tonight so everyone contributed really well.” Herron said.

Senior Taylor Selk shared her thoughts on the team’s performance once they came together to ultimately win.

“In the fourth set, we got our heads screwed on straight and just started playing our game. [In the future], we need to not dig a hole for ourselves in the first sets and come out on top,” Selk said.

On the following day, the Ichabods faced Lindenwood on their home court. Seemingly following Selk’s advice, the team won the first set 25-23. The lead spent time with both teams, but ended with Washburn taking the first win of the day. The second set was similarly close, with the lead going back and forth yet again, but the Lions were the ones to take the win this time, at 25-21. The third set was yet another tennis match on the scoreboard, with the exception of a four point lead Lindenwood took midway through the set. The Lions won the set again, this time 25-23.

Just like their previous match with UCM, the Ichabods used some late game magic to gain some points in bursts, holding leads of 12-5, 16-9, and 19-11. They held on and won the set 25-17, sending the match into a fifth set. This time, however, luck wasn’t on Washburn’s side. Lindenwood took the lead early and didn’t let go. They won the set 15-12 and won the whole match 3-2, mirroring Washburn’s victory from the night before.

Erica Montgomery led the Ichabods in kills, with 22. Genna Berg and Allison Maxwell also had double digit kills, with 17 and 10, respectively. Allison Sadler led the team with 53 assists. Faith Rottinghaus again set the tone defensively with 21 digs.