UPLAND, Ind. – Every so often there is a sporting event that inexplicably brings hope to the world, a moment in which athletes enact their craft with grit and grace in a way that nurtures wonder for the mere opportunity to witness. Such an event unfolded inside Odle Arena on Saturday afternoon, when the No. 19 Taylor Trojans (17-4, 6-1 CL) hosted and defeated No. 12 Indiana Wesleyan (13-3, 6-1 CL) in five stunning sets of volleyball.
Four of the five sets required extra play to mark a winner, including what proved to be an unforgettable third set for which the final score read 33-31. The match included a total of 419 attack attempts, 144 kills, 138 assists, 189 digs, and 17 service aces. Through it all, the two Grant County rivals remained eerily even in most statistical categories, though by day’s end Taylor posted a six-kill edge over the Wildcats.
Not to get lost in all that, though, is yet another career-milestone for senior setter, Kacy Bragg, who hit the 1,000-career dig mark in TU’s second-set win. Bragg did so with gusto, following her 1,000th dig with a surprise attack that landed for a kill and stirred the excitement of the TU faithful.
Bragg finished the match with 60 assists, the second time she has done so in 2022 and just one shy of her career best. The Warsaw, Indiana, native did post a career-best in digs, however, totaling 19 alongside eight kills and three blocks.
TU’s stud setter was just one of many to post season- or career-highs in Taylor’s big win over Indiana Wesleyan. Outside hitter, Anna Frey, flew all over the court, matching a season-high 22 digs while slamming a season-best 17 kills.
Meanwhile, freshman libero, McKaylah Flagle, played solid beyond her years, leading the Trojan defense with a season-high 31 digs. Senior defensive specialist, Karli Ware, brought her usual composure off the bench as well, scoring a season-best 14 digs in tandem with Flagle, Frey, and Bragg.
Capitalizing on many of Bragg’s 60 assists was Taylor’s senior sensation, Ryan Czerniak, who totaled 20 kills for the fourth time in 2022. Taylor’s right-side hitter continues to lead the nation with a .430 hitting percentage on the season, and she has taken back the national lead in kills, now boasting a season total of 298.
The match seemed destined for greatness from the very first serve, which commenced an opening set in which neither team experienced more than a three-point lead. Both IWU and TU finished the frame with 16 team kills,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Taylor University – News…