Spartans fall in quick turnaround

Just 19 hours after arriving home from a steamy triangular competition in Kansas City, the Southwestern volleyball team was swept by Western Iowa Tech in Wednesday night’s conference match.

The Comets rolled 25-10 in the first set before the Spartans competed much better in losses of 25-16 and 25-17.

On Tuesday night, Kansas City (Kansas) Community College hosted a triangular with a 3-0 win over Southwestern before the Spartans battled well in a 3-2 loss to Benedictine JV.

“We knew it was back to back nights with this home match tonight, but it was supposed to be one game there,” Southwestern coach Brianna Maitlen said. “Then they added the second game, and it was a five-setter in a really hot gym. They opened the doors to get some air in, but it was just really hot and we had to call some timeouts just because the girls were getting so exhausted. We got back about 11 o’clock and did our best to get back at it tonight. But as you saw, it was a pretty slow start.”

Some lineup adjustments and a spark of energy made for a fun third set for the fans. Ruby Hernandez-Clavell served consecutive points to pull the Spartans close at 8-7. Then it started to get away from the Spartans as Western Iowa Tech’s Jagoda Szczepaniak served an eight-point string that prompted Maitlen to call a timeout.

“We made a goal to only let the other team go on two-point streaks during a run,” Maitlen said. “When there is a run, they have to get together and decide that’s it. No more. It’s still a young group. They are still learning how to play cohesively and together. It’s confidence. I’d much rather see them hit it and get it blocked than to tip it.”

Southwestern made a late charge in the final set, rallying from down 16-7 to within 17-11 and 19-15. Audrey Boban and Whitney Hollins each had blocks during that stretch and Sophie Lyle targeted the left sideline for a sharp kill. Western Iowa Tech closed out the sweep with a 6-3 run to finish it, 25-17.

Fewer free balls and more consistent serve reception will be the keys to improving as the season moves forward, Maitlen said.

“We’re focusing on our breathing and staying relaxed and not being so tense on the serve receive,” Maitlen said. “That was much better in the third set.”

Skelar Lawal had five solo blocks and Hollins had a team-high six kills. Emily Strait led the back row with 18 digs. Cadence Perkins finished with 12 setting assists.

The homestand continues Friday in a triangular featuring matches against Highland (Kansas) Community College at 3 p.m. and Iowa Lakes at 7 p.m. The Iowa Lakes match is not one that counts in the conference standings.

Southwestern takes a 3-8 overall record into Friday’s action and is 0-3 in ICCAC play after Wednesday’s setback. Western Iowa Tech, which included outside hitter Maya Augustine from Maitlen’s former team, Sioux City West, improved to 10-8 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

SWCC statistics

Setting assists — Cadence Perkins 12.

Kills — Whitney Hollins 6, Sophie Lyle 5, Audrey Boban 2, Skelar Lawal 2.

Blocks (solo-assists) — Lawal 5-0, Hollins 2-1, Boban 1-1, Carly Roberts 1-0.

Digs — Emily Strait 18, Ruby Hernandez-Clavell 7.

Serving — Hernandez-Clavell 8-9, Strait 8-8.

Service aces — Perkins 1, Strait 1, Lyle 1, Crystle Cordero 1.