SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University volleyball team opened up the new McDonald Athletic Center with a Crossroads League match against Bethel College on Wednesday night. The Cougars raced out to a 1-0 set lead behind a boisterous crowd, but the Pilots battled back to take the next three sets to halt SAU's four-match winning streak.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Bethel def. Spring Arbor 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-12, 25-23)
LOCATION: McDonald Athletic Center | Spring Arbor, Mich.
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 9-3 (0-2 CL), Bethel 3-5 (2-0 CL)
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
- Spring Arbor got the start it was looking for, playing off the energy from the crowd and winning the first set 25-20. Sydney Ritz, the reigning Crossroads League Attacker of the Week, had six kills in the set to lead the Cougar offense.
- The second set went back-and-forth until Bethel ended the frame on a 5-2 run to even the match at one set apiece.
- The Pilots used an 11-3 run midway through the pivotal third set to take control of the match, and would ride that momentum in the fourth set to remain unbeaten in league play.
- Ritz finished with a match-high 15 kills while Alison Ford followed with a season-best 13 and Claudia Ellis added eight. Setters Hope Notter and Annica Stotz combined for 41 assists. Notter also recorded 11 digs for her second double-double of the season.
- Ellis also had a big night at the net with five blocks, including three solo rejections. Sophomore libero Stephaney Fifield registered 17 digs on the night.
- Spring Arbor hit .115 in the match compared to Bethel's .205 hitting percentage.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor will look to bounce back when it travels to Grace College (7-3, 1-1 CL) on Friday, Sept. 7. First serve is slated for 7 p.m.
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