SHERMAN, Tex. - Pacific Volleyball remained undefeated on the season with a pair of victories over Belhaven (Miss.) and hosts Austin College. The Boxers defeated Belhaven in straight sets before grinding out a five-set thriller against AC.
Pacific trailed 5-0 in the fifth set of Friday night's match, but rallied from behind to sneak out the win and improve to 3-0 on the team's trip to Texas. Mara Murp
Top Performers
- Mara Murphy continued her impressive start to the season by matching her career-high with 28 kills in the Boxers' win over Austin College. She nearly tallied a double-double with nine digs.
- Charlotte Powell had an excellent game against the 'Roos, hitting .588 with 12 kills on the night.
- Danica Nelson led the way defensively with a game-high 17 digs.
- Setter Shaianne Cambra dished out 38 assists over the two matches.
How It Happened
The Boxers started their first set with a tight rally with the Blazers but extended their lead following an attack error from Belhaven. The Boxers then put together a four-point rally to gain an early advantage. Despite a late charge from their opponents, Pacific grinded out the opening set 25-20.
Forest Grove's team cruised through set two, 25-16, after huge sets from Murphy and
Sarah Hon. Pacific jumped out to another large lead in the third set, and eventually closed out the Blazers after back-to-back service aces from
Claire Stipsits.
The Boxers returned to the court to face hosts Austin College in the nightcap, and it would prove to be the most exciting match of the weekend thus far.
The 'Roos edged Pacific in the first set (25-21) to take an early lead, but the Boxers would respond well with a convincing 25-19 victory in set two, in which Murphy exploded for eight kills.
The third set would go the distance, but Austin College would rally after trailing 23-20 to eventually sneak out the 26-24 win. With their backs against the wall, the Boxers used a late rally of their own to take the fourth set 25-21 and send it to a fifth.
Pacific struggled to start the final set and found the themselves facing a five-point deficit. Kills from Murphy and Stipsits brough the Boxers within striking distance. Pacific later took the lead behind kills from Powell and Stipits, followed by an ace from Nelson. Austin College whittled the lead to just one, but
Lacy Churchfield put the game away by slamming home the final kill, clinching the victory in an instant classic.
What It Means
The Boxers improve to 3-0 and look to leave Texas undefeated following tomorrow's match.
Up Next
Pacific will cap off their trip to Texas tomorrow morning at 11:00 (PST) at the University of Dallas.
For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on
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