Volleyball Drops Second Match of the Day, Falls to Whitworth

Volleyball Drops Second Match of the Day, Falls to Whitworth

GEORGETOWN, Texas – In the battle of the buccaneers, the Southwestern University Pirates volleyball team was defeated by the Whitworth University Pirates in three sets, losing 25-14, 25-19, 25-17.

The loss dropped the Pirates to 2-2 for the season, winning both games on the opening day of the Southwestern University Volleyball Fall Invitational and losing both games on Saturday in three sets. For the weekend, this Pirates' volleyball team comprised of mostly sophomores and first years showcased both tantalizing potential and inexperience.

"Having the opportunity to learn comes in many fashions and today we saw ways to learn in playing elite volleyball and not playing at the top of our game," Head Coach Don Flora said. "We saw two contrasting styles and this will help in the development of these athletes and this team. Our program always looks to 'learning as job #1,' and today will help toward that end.

"The weekend of competitive volleyball gives a clearer sign as to the areas of key development and the areas for individual growth and team growth."

  • First year outside hitter Elleanna McGown was named to the Southwester Volleyball All-Tournament team, totaling 28 kills on a .256 hitting percentage with 23 digs, six blocks, five aces, and three assists.

    Carthage's Ellie LeCount was named Tournament MVP, leading the Tournament Champions to an undefeated record. Teammates Megan Behrendt and Haley Horner were also named All-Tournament.

    Other recipients include Whitworth's Emiko Kahler and Madison Douglas, Hardin Simmons' Ashley Pierce, and Whittier's Katie Engle. 
  • McGown was the lone Southwestern player to reach double-digit kills against Whitworth, totaling 10 on a .320 hitting percentage with five digs and two block assists.
  • Southwestern struggled with its attack, totaling a -.021 hitting percentage for the match, finishing with more attack errors (25) than kills (23).
  • Emiko Kahler led Whitworth with 13 kills on a .367 hitting percentage with nine digs and four block assists. Whitworth hit .227 for the match and had nine service aces in three sets.

Southwestern will travel to Dallas next weekend, playing Pacific Lutheran and Pomona-Pitzer on Friday, Sep. 6, and Aurora and Texas-Dallas on Saturday, Sep. 7.