Chris Yingling | Echo
Three sets was all it took for the Taylor volleyball team to rout Huntington on Wednesday night, sweeping the Foresters 3-0.
The win marks Taylor's first in Crossroads League play after the team dropped its home opener against Grace. After struggling in the first game, a sweep against Huntington was a breath of fresh air for the Trojans.
"I know what our ladies are capable of; unfortunately, they didn't display that in our first conference home match," said head coach Holly Motheral. "But tonight, I was able to see that they are able to bounce back confident. Tonight, I was able to see that my team can focus from start to finish and complete a match in three games."
Huntington was kept at bay in all three sets, never hitting the 20-point mark as Taylor cruised through three sets 25-14, 25-17, 25-12.
The Trojans kept a steady and balanced offense all evening, featuring five players with at least five kills. Sophomore Kelly Arnold led the hitters with eight kills, while freshman Becca Gerig had seven.
Junior setter Julia Willey recorded 35 assists to keep the offense moving while senior libero Kelsey Arvin made a team-high 15 digs for the Trojans. The team also made a season-high 10 service aces. Gerig led the team with three aces while Willey and junior Maggie Williamson each made two.
No player stood out for the Trojans as the entire rotation contributed to the sweep of Huntington."Tonight was a total team effort," Motheral said. "If you look at the stat sheet, everyone contributed in one area or another. I give credit to my whole team. Everyone stepped up and played consistently, so that was encouraging to see."
The win over Huntington brings Taylor to a 9-2 record overall with a 1-1 record in conference play.
Taylor's away game stretch continues tonight with a matchup against rival Indiana Wesleyan in Marion at 7 p.m. The team returns to the home court next Friday, Sept. 19 against Saint Francis at 7 p.m. in Odle Arena.Photograph provided by TU Sports Information Department
