ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Mount Mary University volleyball team finished day two of the Rockford Invitational today. The Blue Angels (0-12) lost match one to the Moody Bible Institute Archers 3-0, then lost to host Rockford (5-7) by a score of 3-0.
Early on in the opening set, both the Archers and the Blue Angels hit evenly on their attack. Throughout the entire set, neither team led by more than four points. The Archers took a slight edge towards the end of the set striking 13 team kills on 39 total attacks. With a narrow 23-22 lead, Moody Bible came through wit the final two points on their way to the opening set victory.
In the second set, the Archers took an early lead. After an extended run, the Blue Angels responded with a run of their own. After hitting eight team kills in the frame, the Blue Angels were able to cut the deficit to four, but the Archers went on a 3-0 run to close out the set 25-18 and to take the 2-0 match lead.
In the third set of the opening match, the Blue Angels were able to land with their most potent offensive set of the match. Although falling behind 15-8 midway through the set, cut that deficit to five hitting with 10 team kills on 47 attacks. The Archers also finished with their best offensive set of the match connecting 14 team kills on their 47 total attacks.
Adrianna Nester (Sr./Anaheim, Calif.) led MMU's offense with eight kills on her 44 attacks. She also added 18 digs, which was second among Blue Angels. Teammate Megan Johnson (Jr./Waukesha, Wis.) led the team in digs with 22.
Brianna Ecker (Fr./Fond du Lac, Wis.) led the Blue Angels with 16 assists and two service aces.
In MMU's second match of the day, they took on host Rockford. The two teams traded points evenly to begin the opening set. Tied 5-5, MMU went on a 4-1 run to take their largest lead of the contest. The Regents bounced back with a 9-2 run to take the late lead which they would hold on to for the 25-20 set-win.
The Regents led the second set with a match-high 17 kills off 44 total attacks. Leading 5-4, Rockford started a 9-3 rally midway through the set to add to their lead. The Blue Angels continued to chip away, down 11 points, MMU sparked a late four-point rally, but the Regents closed the set 25-17.
In the final set of the day for the Blue Angels, their opponent started the frame off with a seven-point run. The Blue Angels fought right back after falling behind early and cut the deficit to three midway through the set.
The Blue Angels attacked with seven team kills on their 24 total attacks and forced the opposition into six team errors. But the Regents held on landing eight team kills on their way to a 25-19 set-win and match-victory.
Nester again led the Blue Angels on offense. In match No. 2, Nester landed nine kills on 29 attacks and cleaned up with 14 digs. Teammate Megan Johnson led the Blue Angels in digs with 15 along with her service ace.
Alessa Nelson (.Sr./Rockford, Ill.) and Ecker helped steer MMU's offense in the second match with seven assists each.
The Blue Angels to action Tue. Sept. 17 when they head to Maranatha Baptist in Watertown, Wis. to take on the Sabercats. Live video and stats will be available for the road contest next week. Check out MtMaryAthletics.com for more details.
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