Shelby Bradley | Sports Co-Editor
Tuesday, Oct. 6 the Buena Vista University (BVU) volleyball team secured their number one spot in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) when they defeated conference opponent Loras College.
The Beavers swept the DuHawks in three close sets with scores of 26-24, 25-23, and 25-19. Junior Maddie Bardole led the team in kills totaling at 12 for the match and sophomore Emily Mathews following with 9.
“I probably had my best game of the season. Being errorless in my hitting is something that doesn’t happen often, so that was really exciting,” Mathews said. “I could’ve been better with my blocking but thanks to our stellar back row players, we were still able to come out with the W.”
Following Tuesday’s match Bardole was named IIAC Athlete of the Week. Bardole is now in second place for BVU’s all-time kills list and sits just 22 shy from tying the all-time leader.
“We should have come out a lot stronger than what we did Tuesday night. Our level of play lowered and that’s something we need be more consistent on,” Bardole said. “As side from that we took care of the ball when we needed to and I never have a doubt in my mind that we couldn’t win.”
The teams defense was led by sophomore Jade Schaap and freshman Kylie Roe each throwing up 14 digs. Junior Sydnee Donnelli followed with 8 digs and sophomore Laura Barry tallied 36 assists for the night.
“There is always room for improvement,” fourth-year assistant coach Micah Rhodes said. “I am very proud of us for the position we are in right now, but there are also two huge matches remaining in conference play before we can call ourselves IIAC champions.”
With plenty of season left to play Rhodes commented on different aspects of the game he would like to gear the teams’ focus towards.
“I am trying to stress the fact that volleyball is not a “me” sport; it’s a “we” sport. The girls need to rely on each and have each other’s backs and play for each other – not themselves as individuals,” Rhodes said. “What stood out against Loras Tuesday night was how much of a team effort it was. It’s great to see as a coach when teammates complement each other’s games.”
The Beavers now have a break from conference play until they face Dubuque at home Wednesday, Oct. 21. Until that time the team will face off against Martin Luther at home Monday, Oct. 12 and head off to Wisconsin over fall break Oct. 16-17 to match up with conference powerhouses Wisconsin Platteville and Northwestern St. Paul.
Photo by Taylor Staab
