DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Mount Mary University Volleyball Team split a pair of matches today at the Emmaus Quad Tournament. The Blue Angels (1-3) first swept Dayspring Bible College in a 3-0 exhibition match, then lost 3-1 to host Emmaus Bible College to close out the doubleheader.
To begin the day the Blue Angels took on Dayspring, the Blue Angels jumped ahead early in every set. Working each rally to their advantage, the Blue Angels continued to add on in nearly every frame.
"We came out with great energy and mentality in our first match." Mount Mary University Head Volleyball Coach Kelsey Peterson went on, "Everyone really kept our goals in mind which was to earn over 50% of our points through kills/aces or other aggressive plays and to focus on serving tough. Alyssa [Nelson] and Payton [Hintz] contributed 4 aces each and we continually improved on earning more points each set."
MMU continued to add on in each set with a number of different streaks of service aces and kills, taking the match 3-0 over Dayspring Bible College.
In the second match, the Blue Angels faced the host Eagles. Emmaus took the first set 25-20, but the Blue Angels stormed back to take set two convincingly. The Eagles then came back to take the third set again by a score of 25-20. The Eagles took the final set winning game two 3-1.
"I think the girls were pretty fatigued being in the hot gym and playing back to back, but they still had some amazing hustle plays." Coach Peterson clarified, "Sarah Amoroso and Kalyn Jarrett come to mind for some great hustle plays that really inspired the team. Offensively, Adrianna Nester, Payton Hintz, and Lauren Harris were able to contribute nine, eight, and 11 kills, respectively. And Lauren contributed 5 aces. Today was the best I've seen us play yet; [sic] it's been so rewarding to already see a marked improvement from where we started with our first game."
Following the Emmaus Quad, MMU will have a week to prepare for the Grace Bible Triangular. The triangular in Grand Rapids, Mich. is set for Sat. Sept. 17 with the first match for MMU at 11:00 am against Lake Michigan College. Follow all the updates at mtmaryathletics.com. Official game stats will be released as soon as available.
