By: Kyle Keck | Sports Writer
The Taylor volleyball team brought their brooms to Goshen as the Trojans swept the Maple Leafs 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Crossroads League match featured an aggressive offensive performance by the Trojans. Taylor dialed in a .274 hitting percentage on the day, a direct result of senior setter Julia Fahy gifting hitters with 39 assists. Fahy's passing clinic allowed three Trojans to tally double-digit kills: Junior Jessi Arbuckle (12), senior Casey Allen (12), and sophomore Becca Gerig (11)."The game against Goshen was just so fun to be a part of," Arbuckle said. "I am a firm believer that when you are having fun, you play better, and we definitely celebrated and played together well."
While their offense dominated the scoreboard, Taylor's defense limited Goshen's marginal attack. Goshen was held to a .083 hitting percentage, which helped freeze their set wins at zero. Junior Alex Reel led Taylor's back row with a game-high 16 digs.
"Our back row defense is relentless," head coach Holly Motheral said. "It is tough to get a ball down against them when they are in position. Our blocking also stepped up big time which we have been inconsistent with all season, so that was very encouraging."
Taylor's win over Goshen snapped a three-game skid in conference play. Taylor (8-9, 5-4 CL) faced a tough first round of their conference schedule, but enters the second round with a three-game sweep in their pocket."First round of conference definitely had its ups and downs, but I am very excited going into this second round of conference with a win over Goshen," Motheral said. "The key will be to get everyone healthy and continue to play aggressive, disciplined volleyball."
A win over Spring Arbor on Wednesday night improved the Trojans' record to 9-9 and 6-4 in the Crossroads League. Taylor volleyball looks to dominate again when they face Saint Francis at home on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
Photograph by Fayth Glock
