Vikings Drop Competitive Match Against Mustangs

Women’s Volleyball | Sat, Oct. 1, 2022 at 6:45 PM

Des Moines, IA – The Grand View women’s volleyball team was back in action with its second game in as many days as it played host to Mount Mercy University on Saturday. The Vikings and the Mustangs dueled it out in a competitive match, but it was the visiting Mustangs that left with win over five sets with scores of 21-25, 26-24, 20-25, 25-14, and 11-15.

Set 1: Grand View University 21 l Mount Mercy University 25

Grand View and Mount Mercy began the first set by matching each other with both squads going on a couple of scoring streaks to an even 12-12 draw. Shortly after, the Mustangs separated themselves to go up by three at 15-18 and forced a timeout from the Vikings. Grand View pulled within two after a kill by Ellie Dougherty (FR/Omaha, NE) made the score 20-22, but Mount Mercy secured three of the final four points to take the set.

Set 2: Grand View University 26 l Mount Mercy University 24

The Vikings were able to get out to a fast start in the second set as they went on a 3-0 scoring run four different times putting them out in front, 12-6. The Mustangs did however mount a bit of a comeback over the course of the middle stages and drew within two-points at 16-14. The Vikings were able to respond with another 3-0 scoring streak, highlighted by a Sydney Beasley (SO/Darlington, WI) kill and an ace from Alesha Johnson (JR/Council Bluffs, IA), to go back to a six-point lead. Mount Mercy didn’t shy away from the deficit though and eventually tied the set at 21-21. Despite losing its lead, Grand View stayed focused and went on to win the set on back-to-back kills by Rylie Olson (SR/Osage, IA) and Taylor Carey (SR/Waukee, IA).

Set 3: Grand View University 20 l Mount Mercy University 25

In the third, the Vikings had their work cut out for them as they fell behind early, 3-7. Another Olson kill drew Grand View closer at the 11-13 mark, but the Mustangs countered and stretched their lead to six at 15-21. The Vikings, unfortunately, couldn’t string together any momentum for the remainder of the set and went down 2-1 overall.

Set 4: Grand View University 25 l Mount Mercy University 15

It was another slow start in the fourth set for the Vikings as they faced another early deficit, 4-9. This time, however, the Vikings did find that offensive rhythm and after consecutive kills by Carey took its first lead of the set, 13-12. Grand View used this moment a few moments later as it…