The Advance

Issue date: 10/20/06 Section: Sports

McPherson and Kansas Wesleyan clashed in a key volleyball match on Tuesday night at Muir Gymnasium. It was the Coyotes who came out as the winners, knocking off the Bulldogs 30-21, 24-30, 30-28, 30-27. The win for the Coyotes also shook up the KCAC standings, as Bethel jumped over McPherson into second, based on winning percentage. McPherson is now 10-4 (.714) while Bethel is 9-3 (.750). Wesleyan remains in fourth at 8-4.

McPherson took an early 1-0 lead in the first game, but the Coyotes rallied, sparked by a Kristal Griffeth kill, going on a 6-1 run to take a 6-2 lead before a serve into the net made it 6-3 Coyotes. A big kill from Kolby Rhoades powered another run by Wesleyan that gave them a 14-8. McPherson was then able to run off five straight points to get within two at 15-13, before Rhoades nailed back-to-back kills to put the Coyotes comfortably ahead 16-13. The Coyotes extended their lead to 24-17, forcing a McPherson timeout. The Bulldogs were able to score the first point after the break, but the Coyotes were able to hold on for the 30-21 win.

Rhoades, this week's KCAC Player of the Week, led the Coyotes with 26 kills while Griffeth added 17, and Sarah Carlson had 10. Landree MacLennan had 54 assists for the Wesleyan on the night. Rhoades led the servers with three aces while DuBois, Berg and Naomi Hobayan had two apiece. Hobayan also added 23 digs, and Melissa Harrington had 11. DuBois led the Wesleyan blockers with two solo blocks and five assisted, while Griffeth had three solos and two assisted.

The Coyotes are back in action on Thursday in Lindsborg to face arch-rival Bethany at 7:00 PM at Hahn Gym.

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