Ethan Flack
Staff Writer
The College of Wooster volleyball team went 2-1 this past week, as the team prepared for the upcoming North Coast Athletic Conference tournament. The Scots (21-9, 10-5 NCAC) have already secured the fourth seed in the tournament, which will be held at Wittenberg University Nov. 4-5.
In their last home match of the year, the Scots welcomed the Battling Bishops of Ohio Wesleyan University to Timken Gymnasium. The Battling Bishops (2-28, 1-14) were beaten easily, as Wooster rolled to a straight set victory, 25-20, 25-19, 25-11.
Captain Lizzi Beal ’12, who recorded 24 assists, seven kills, and five service aces, led the Scots. Sarah Hawke ’12 received many of Beal’s sets, as Hawke recorded nine kills and also contributed five blocks. Zoe Zwegat ’14, who recorded eight kills, also helped power the Fighting Scots’ offense.
Defensively, specialists Kelley Johnson ’13 and Melissa Morgan ’13 registered 24 and 20 digs, respectively. The Fighting Scots then traveled to Bluffton, Ohio, for a weekend play-date with two out-of-conference opponents.
In their first match, Wooster faced off against Franklin College and cruised to their second straight three set victory. After winning the first set, the Scots dominated the second set 25-10, before winning the third set and handing the Grizzlies (7-19) a loss.
Paige Parker ’14 tied her season-high with 14 kills, while Beal and Autumn Berry ’14 combined for 34 assists. In the back court Morgan and Johnson led the defense again, combining for 34 digs. Morgan also added seven kills to round out her effort in the match.
Against the host Bluffton University, Wooster received a setback, falling in four sets. The Scots and Beavers (20-10) were playing an evenly matched game, as the teams split the first two sets. Bluffton barely got past Wooster in the third set 25-20, before decisively winning the final set 25-12.
Hawke led the offense with 12 kills, while Beal added nine kills to go along with 22 assists. Johnson and Berry each had strong outings, with Berry registering 18 assists and Johnson making 25 digs.
Wooster will finish its regular season slate this week when the Scots travel to Oberlin, Ohio to play Oberlin College (1-26, 1-14 NCAC) before beginning the NCAC tournament.