Wheeling, W. Va. – The Wheeling University Volleyball team (4-4, 0-0) wrapped up play at the University of Indianapolis tournament when they battled Ashland University. It was no walk in the park, but the Cardinals wrapped up tournament play with a 3-2 win to finish the tournament 2-2, and improve to 4-4 on the season.
The first set of matches has been a problem for Wheeling all season long, but today they got off to a strong start with 14 kills on 37 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .189. It was a back and forth set throughout the night, but Wheeling got the late advantage and was able to close out the 25-21 win. It was only the second time this season that Wheeling has won the first set of the match, and it gave them some momentum early on after they were swept by West Florida early in the day.
Wheeling was looking to gain a 2-0 advantage and put Ashland on the ropes in the second set, but much like the first set, the two teams battled back and forth throughout the set. However, this time it was Ashland who would find the final push and they took a 25-21 win to tie the game at 1-1. Wheeling continued to attack the ball well throughout the night recording 14 kills and only five attack errors in that second set, but Ashland was just a little bit better with 20 kills in the set.
Heading into the third set, Wheeling needed to up their game if they wanted the advantage, and they would do just that. They got out to a big early lead, and were able to hold it to win the set 25-15. Wheeling had a match-high 15 kills and just two hitting errors in the set. They had a 2-1 lead, but Ashland battled right back taking the fourth set 25-22 to tie the match at 2-2 and force a fifth and final set. It had been a competitive match already to that point, and both teams were turning it up in the sudden death set.
It came down to the last kill of the day, but Wheeling was able to get the last laugh, scoring the 15-14 win and taking the match 3-2. Wheeling hitters closed the game as strong as they started it, racking up eight kills on 21 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .286 to wrap up the match. It was a hard fought victory for Wheeling, and one they hope can carry them into the home half of their 2021 schedule.
Freshman Riley Kindall (Westerville, OH./Westerville Central HS) had a big tournament in Indianapolis, and continued that success into the final game of the tournament. She led the way with a career-high 20 kills and had an impressive .311 hitting percentage. She ended the tournament with 51 kills over the four games and is proving to be a strong offensive player for Wheeling. Freshman Maddy Winters (New Martinsville, WV./Magnolia HS) added 18 kills on the day as part of a strong offensive attack from the Cardinals.
The Wheeling University Volleyball team opens the home half of their schedule next Friday, September 16th when they host the Atlantic Region Crossover, a two day tournament at the Alma Grace McDonough Center.
