RIVER FOREST, Ill. – The Edgewood College volleyball team did it all on Friday night against Dominican University. After dominating the first two sets, the Eagles proved that they can start strong and comeback even stronger. The Eagles narrowly dropped the third and fourth set, but pulled out a thrilling 3-2 victory (25-19, 25-21, 22-25, 25-27, 15-12) handing Dominican their first conference loss of the season.
Edgewood College (6-11, 3-2 NACC) ran off with the first set, taking the first point and never looking back. Dominican University (9-6, 2-1 NACC) made things interesting in a second set that featured seven tie scores and three lead changes. Both teams fought back and forth, but errors made by the Stars gave the Eagles the lead going into the third set.
Early in the third set it looked like the Stars would cruise past the Eagles, as they led 12-3. The Eagles bounced back to a score of 22-20 between kills by Sarah Pfeifer, Jordee Cole, Mackenzie Doherty, and a number of errors committed by the Dominican offense. Despite losing the third set, the Eagles proved that they have what it takes to bounce back.
The Eagles energy continued to build in a tight fourth set that featured 15 tie scores and seven lead changes. In the set Doherty recorded an impressive six kills and Sarah Uczen came through with seven digs. Down 21-23, Doherty took charge with back-to-back kills that put the Eagles back in the set. The Eagles and Stars would play three match points before the Stars would come away with the final two points of the set.
The Eagles offense erupted in the fifth set, with a match high hitting percentage of .227. After leading 10-9, Edgewood College would go on a 5-3 run, with two kills from Tori Wiskow and one by Doherty to close out the victory for the Eagles.
Pfeifer had five of her 12 kills in the first set, and added 26 digs for a double-double. The freshman also recorded a personal best five aces. Doherty also recorded an impressive 12 kills on the night. Another double-double came from Alex Zapuchlak, as she racked up 26 assists and 11 digs. Sager added 22 assists and nine digs. Senior Tori Wiskow recorded a season-high ten kills. As a team, the Eagles totaled 11 blocks, the most since the 12 blocks recorded against Alverno on September 12.
The Eagles will have a quick turnaround, as they take on Illinois Tech on Saturday, September 29 at 12:00 p.m.
