Volleyball takes loss against Huskies, sweep over Buffalo

Story by Kelsey Randolph, Sports Editor

After a 2,500 mile trek to Seattle, the Racer volleyball team returned home with a loss against the University of Washington and a sweep over the State University of New York in Buffalo.

“I think at the beginning everyone was doing well,” said Head Coach David Schwepker. “I think toward the end of the first set the girls got in their head that they couldn’t beat them – and at this point we can’t – but because of that mentality the scores were worse than what they should’ve been.”

Washington, ranked No. 7, was a tough match for the Racers. Schwepker said the level of maturity spoke volumes about the team and it was a joy to have the opportunity to play them.

The Racers lost 3-0 against the Huskies with the scores set, 25-18, 25-8, 25-11.

“I liked how we came back and beat Buffalo, I think that was important,” Schwepker said. “That showed me a lot of maturity from this team. I’m very happy with how they responded. An immature team wouldn’t have come back the next day.”

Following a defeat by the Huskies, the Racers took on Buffalo sweeping them with a comeback set of scores, 25-22, 25-8, 25-21.

Leading the Racers on the second day were senior outside hitter and defensive socialist Taylor Olden with a season-best 13 kills as well as a team-high four aces. Following Olden is senior middle blocker Alyssa Lelm with 10 kills, junior outside hitter Scottie Ingram with nine kills and redshirt junior right side Kristen Besselsen and sophomore middle blocker Olivia Chatman both adding six kills each.

Murray State travels to Terre Haute, Indiana at 9 a.m., on Sept. 11 to compete in the Holiday Inn Classic.

“It will be more like in our conference teams,” Schwepker said. “I think they area all capable of winning. It is an even tournament, no Washington there – but nobody is bad. I think these girls should be able to do well this weekend.”

The Racers have three back-to-back matches with the first match Friday against Indiana University-Purdue University of Fort Wayne then Saturday against Eastern Michigan and Indiana State.

After the Classic, the Racers will take on the Winthrop Invitational Sept. 18-19 before beginning its OVC season on Sept. 25.

“You just never know,” Schwepker said. “Each year the level of the team changes. I think we’re going to do well, but you just never know.”