by LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Haskell Indian Nations University volleyball team stepped out of conference play this week for a match with Bethany College on Monday night. After a challenging five set match the Lady Indians were able to pull out the victory 3-2 (16-25, 25-16, 27-29, 25-23, and 11-15).
The Swedes raced out to an early 6-2 lead on Haskell in the first set. But the Indians answered with a quick run that tied the set at seven. The two teams played even until Haskell rattled off seven straight points to break a 13-13 tie. The Lady Indians then pulled away to pick up the win in the first set 16-25.
Haskell got off to a slow start in the second set but managed to pull themselves back within two points before the Swedes scored four straight points, three of which were on errors by the Indians, to take a 15-9 lead. From there Bethany controlled the set, winning the set 25-16 and evening the match at one set apiece
The third set was even throughout. But with the Swedes ahead by one, 18-17, it looked like Bethany had captured the momentum. The Swedes took a commanding four point edge, 22-18, but three straight kills by Tiffany Runs Through, two setting errors, and another Indians kill left Bethany in a one point hole. The Swedes were, however, able to tie the set at 24, 25, 26, and 27 before Haskell earned the final two points to take the set.
The Swedes and Indians went back and forth in the fourth set but it would be the Swedes with the win 25-23 to even the match up at 2-2.
In the final and deciding set, both teams played even, like they had all night. With a 9-9 tie, Haskell seized the opportunity and finished the match on a 6-2 run, winning the fifth set 15-11.
By the numbers:
Aspen Sheperd (#10) led the Indians with 20 kills and 3 blocks- Skye Norwood continues to be efficient on defense by collecting a team high 21 digs
- Nicole Curley had a career high 17 kills against the Swedes to mark her fourth straight double-digit kill game
Haskell will return to MCAC action Friday night when they travel to Omaha, Nebraska to take on the College of Saint Mary at 7:00 PM
