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Freshman middle blocker Brooklyn Morrissey prepares to block the opposing attack. Morrissey completed two of the team’s total six blocks.
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Junior defensive specialist Taylor Rottinghaus prepares to receive the ball. Rottinghaus had a strong defensive game with 21 digs.
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Junior outside hitter Natalie Hedlund serves the ball into play. Hedlund delivered a high-efficiency offensive game with a .314 hitting percentage.
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Sophomore outside hitter Brynne Topolski attacks the opposing Bronchos. Topolski was a strong offensive player, hitting .333 with 13 kills.
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Washburn volleyball alumni wave to the crowd as they stand on the court. More than 30 alumni were present at the game.
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Senior outside hitter Bella Limback jumps to block the attack. Limback had a 90% serve percentage, giving her a solid serving game.
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Ichabods celebrate a successful kill. The team cheered on their fellow Ichabods with yelling, dancing and diving with each successful play.
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Senior setter Sydney Conner sets Limback up for a successful kill. Conner performed 26 assists to her teammates leading to multiple attacks.
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Senior setter Corinna McMullen serves the ball. McMullen had 22 successful assists throughout the game.
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Junior defensive specialist Autumn Gibbs prepares for an attack. Gibbs achieved a perfect 1.000 percentage in both assists and receptions.
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The Ichabods huddle together, cheering for their victory. The Ichabods beat the Bronchos 3-1 for the first time since 2022.
For the first time since 2022, the Washburn Ichabods defeated the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos 3-1 on Nov. 14.
Going into this game, the team had their guard up playing against UCO, not only because it was alumni night, but because of their previous losses to UCO. While they knew the game was going to be tough, junior outside hitter Natalie Hedlund wasn’t too worried.
“There was a little bit of pressure. We always know it’s gonna be a big game, but we really have confidence. We don’t ever get down on ourselves. We think that we can win every game going into it. It’s really important having a good mindset,” Hedlund said.
After long rallies in the first set, junior defensive specialist Autumn Gibbs earned the Ichabod’s final five points in set two, bringing momentum to the team.
“It was so fun because the energy in the student section was awesome. Our whole team just really came together, and it was a great win,” Gibbs said.
Being alumni night, the home crowd was filled with previous team members cheering on the current generation of Ichabods. Head volleyball coach Chris Herron enjoyed the atmosphere and reminisced about previous years.
“It’s really cool to see all these kids. That group over there, [was] even here before me. Two of them I coached when I was coaching high school ball, and now their kids go to school here,” Herron said.
This win over the Bronchos keeps the Ichabods in the running for the MIAA title, and secures the team’s momentum going into the post-season.
Edited by Anson Appelhanz and Arohi Rai
