Daniel Sokolov

Scrappy Start Not Enough as the Wolves Fall in Three to Raiders

9/25/2016 1:00:00 AM

Box Score Paul Starkebaum, Sports Information Director

Ashland, Ore.- Southern Oregon (9-6, 6-2) proved too much for the Wolves to handle tonight, a strong team defense helped the Raiders tonight, who had six different players recorded at least 1 block tonight. The Wolves fought hard, but they were not able to create a consistent attack throughout the match. Raiders setters Kelsey Webber (16 assists) and Lauren McGowne (13 assists) found Emma Gasman (12 kills) and Ariana Sattler (10 kills) often at the net as SOU created a reliable and balanced attack.

The opening set would prove the best play from the Wolves on the night, and despite the fact that they never lead, they were also never out reach of the Raiders. Melissa Barton's kill late in the set put the Wolves just one point behind at 18-19, the Wolves found her often in the first set as she recorded four of her six total kills in the first set. A 6-3 run by the Raiders would prove too much for the Wolves to overcome, as SOU closed out the set with an error by the Wolves.

The Wolves jumped out early to a three-one lead, but a six-point run would give the Raiders back control in the set and they would not look back. This set would prove the hardest for the Wolves to get their attack going, as they recorded 10 attack errors before it was over. The Raiders ability to setup the block may have been a factor, they recorded several key blocks throughout the set. A kill by Ariana Sattler ended the set with a 25-14 victory for the Raiders.

Despite the lopsided score by the end of the third set, they played even with SOU through the middle of the set. A kill by Lauren Barlow (11 kills, 8 digs) got the Wolves within two points at a score of 12-14. Raiders would gain back the momentum after a service error and start an 8-0 run the Raiders that would by the set out of reach for the Wolves. A solo block by Courtney Macklin would end the match at a score of 25-17 in favor of the Raiders.

Krista Schafer lead the Wolves in assists with 14 on the night, and Maria Darling was active all over the court tonight with 10 digs and 3 kills. Wolves are back in action next weekend at home. They host Northwest University Saturday night and The Evergreen State College on Sunday.

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