Spartans win battle over Marshalltown

Three of the four games played in the Spartans’ gym Tuesday night came down to the wire, but it was Southwestern (6-19, 1-7) who came out on top 3-1 over Marshalltown (7-15, 0-8).

Momentum was on SWCC’s side from the beginning, the Spartans going up 4-1 in game one. The Tigers came back to lead 10-7, but the Spartans tied it back up and the game was close to the end.

A block by Skyelar Lawal and Audrey Boban put the Spartans up 23-21, but the Tigers earned the next two to tie the game. Sophomore Sophie Lyle made it match point with a kill for SWCC before a hit out of bounds by the Tigers won the match.

Whitney Hollins led the Spartans in kills with 12 and she logged three solo blocks. Lyle was next in attacks with 8.

Libero Emily Strait had 31 digs and served three aces while Ruby Hernandez Clavell had 24 digs.

Lawal was a force at the net, putting up five solo blocks and a block assist.

The Spartans continued the momentum in game two, going up 10-3 before Audrey Boban came down wrong on her ankle, aggravating a previous injury. Boban had seven kills through the game and a half, but didn’t paly the rest of the night.

The injury was a setback for the Spartans who gave up the 7-point lead, the Tigers coming back to lead 18-16.

The teams battled back and forth, going into extra points until finally Southwestern won in a 29-27 marathon.

Marshalltown took advantage of a struggling Spartans team in set three, winning decidedly in a 25-15 blowout.

The Spartans found their way back to a lead in game four, going on several 3- and 4-point runs.

Tied at 22, 23, 24 and 25, it was another game to the wire. A block by Hollins sealed the 27-25 set win and a 3-1 match win over the Tigers.

The Spartans return to action tonight at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. They return home Oct. 20 against Kirkwood Community College.