SEGUIN, Texas - On the final day of the first SCAC Crossover, the Southwestern University Pirates faced a tough test in No. 2 Colorado College and a strong Austin College squad. The Pirates dropped a thriller to the Tigers in a top five matchup that lived to its name before returning and defeated the 'Roos in four games.
In the first match against Colorado College, it was an incredible five set match with the Tigers winning 25-22, 22-25, 11-25, 25-17, 15-13, coming from behind in the final set to upend the Bucs. Southwestern hit .211 as a team in the match with 54 kills to 19 errors while Colorado College hit .201.
"Holding a very offensive team to a .201 night attacking is a good sign for our defensive plan," said Head Coach Don Flora. "We look forward to these types of battles throughout the season."
After dropping the first set, the Pirates dominated the next two including a .345 hitting percentage in set three while holding Colorado College to .000. However, the Tigers were able to force a fifth set as they cruised in set four.
Southwestern jumped out to a 9-4 lead in the fifth set, but the Tigers rallied for six of the next seven points to even it at 10. It was back in forth for the final points, but Colorado College emerged victorious to remain unbeaten.
Kate Mitchell had a monster match with 18 kills and a blistering .359 hitting percentage for the senior outside hitter. Junior Jamison Duck added 14 kills while junior Megan Grimes had 45 assists. Junior Brandi Campos had 24 digs while Duck had 19 and Grimes had 10.
"Seeing so many great plays and so much hustle and effort from our team verse #2 Colorado was a positive sign of our development as team," said Flora. "Kate was a force offensively throughout the match while Megan distributed a quality game plan."
"Being up two sets to one and not putting away an elite team is something we will grow from and being up 10-5 in the fifth set is place you need relish and just finish the task at hand" added Flora on the epic five set match. "Give Colorado credit for making some plays late in the match, but we had an undefeated team where we wanted them."
Southwestern would bounce back against Austin College, winning 25-18, 25-19, 21-25, 25-16. The Pirates hit .216 as a team in the match while holding the 'Roos to .183.
Mitchell again had a huge match, finishing with 15 kills and a .344 hitting percentage. Freshman Maya Clausen surpassed her career-high that she had one night ago with 12 kills while Duck had 11 kills. Grimes had 47 assists to go with 15 digs while Campos had 27 digs and Duck with 14. Grimes also had three service aces.
"Having a short turn around in playing Austin College is always tough in the SCAC, but we all have to do it," said Flora. "So, the staff was proud of the way we handled our business against a good blocking and setting team in Austin College."
Southwestern moves to 17-3 overall and 4-2 in the SCAC. They will hit the road for a couple of non-conference games in Tyler, Texas on Thursday, beginning at 3 PM against East Texas Baptist followed by a 6:30 PM contest against Texas-Tyler.