WARRIORS DROP THREE GAMES TO MADONNA

LIVONIA, Mich. - On Wednesday night, the Warriors (7-14, 0-8) were taken down by the Madonna Crusaders (4-10, 2-6) in three games. The Warriors got off to a solid start in the match's first game, but a slower second set seemed to halt the Warriors' momentum. Leading the way for the Warriors was sophomore Kourtney Mack with seven, while setter Emma Hock assisted the Warriors 11 times. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST GAME - 22-25 MADONNA

• The Warriors and Crusaders began things in a dead heat, with the Warriors getting their early points from blocks by Chante Hudgins and Hailee Mancogna. RCU embarked on a mini-run to take a 9-6 lead thanks to some kills from Mack. Madonna's Kira Buza had a strong showing midway through the first set, helping the Crusaders catch up and knot the game at 18-18. From that point, the Crusaders emerged on a 7-1 run, which put the first game out of reach for the Warriors 

SECOND GAME - 17-25 MADONNA

• The second game started the same way the first game ended, with the Crusaders keeping things rolling with multiple kills to start the game out up 1-6. The Warriors created a response through a balanced attacking effort, getting as close as 9-10. However, the hosts had a balanced attack, embarking on a 5-0 run to take a six-point lead. The Warriors added some sporadic points off kills, but the Crusaders continued to score, finishing the game 17-25

THIRD GAME - 21-25 MADONNA

• The third game started out much further in the Warriors' favor, thanks to a strong middle presence from Hudgins and freshman Alivia Everitt. Mack added another kill to make things 7-4 before another big run by the Crusaders flipped the game's momentum. The Crusaders took an 11-8 RCU advantage and made it into a 16-11 Madonna advantage to get closer to a match victory. RCU continued to fight by forcing attacking errors on the Crusaders, but Madonna pulled through for the 3-0 match victory

STAT OF THE GAME

Libero Ashley Horne has officially entered the 500-dig club for the Warriors, including tonight's nine digs. 

UP NEXT

RCU will travel 20 minutes in the opposite direction to face the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Don Ridler Fieldhouse. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Shelley Carroll - RCU Volleyball