Wolves Slow Start too Much to Overcome against Bulldogs

8/16/2017 9:09:00 PM

Box Score Wolves Slow Start too Much to Overcome against Bulldogs

Paul Starkebaum, Sports Information Director

Dillon, Mont. –The Wolves road trip ended with a match in Dillion, Montana today as Walla Walla (0-3) faced off against the University of Montana Western Bulldogs (1-0). The Wolves looked powerful on offense today, but the attack of the Bulldogs caused too many issues on defense for Walla Walla.

Quick Hitters

Morgan Doyle led the Wolves with 6 kills and 2 blocks
Tessa Miller lead Montana Western in Kills with 11
The Wolves only converted 18 kills in the match compared to 41 from the Bulldogs

How it Happened

The Wolves got off to a slow start in the opening set, struggling to control the attack of Western Montana, and sending a number of free balls back over the net. The Wolves did look dangerous on offensive, Caldora Blackburn and Sarah Halverson both had big kills in opener. But, the Bulldogs bullied their way past the Wolves to take the opening set 25-15.

Walla Walla started out the second set out slowly again while the Bulldogs went on the offensive getting out to a quick 5 to 1 lead. Walla Walla gained some momentum in the middle of the set, but were not able to seriously threaten the Bulldogs. Walla Walla lost the 2nd set 25-15.

With their backs again the wall, the Wolves came out fighting in the third set. They jumped out to a 5-2 lead, but the Bulldogs did not back down, going on a 5-0 run of their own to go up 7-6. A kill from Lauren Barlow tied the set back up at 7s. Scoring went back and forth until mid-way through the match the Wolves found themselves down 14 to 9. Scrappy play got the Wolves back into the game and a block from Morgan Doyle put the Wolves within three points. A long rallied followed, with the Wolves winning the point after an attack error by the Bulldogs. A kill by Lauren Barlow put the Wolves behind just one point at 17 to 16, but Western Montana answered with a kill of their own. The match remained scrappy to the end but Walla Walla was not able to string enough points together to get past Western Montana as they dropped the third set 25-22, losing the match 3-0.

What's Next

The Lady Wolves have a week off to prepare before they head to Eugene, Oregon where they play the Deacons of New Hope Christian College. They will take on the Deacons Wednesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

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