WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. – The Webster University volleyball team opened SLIAC play with a 3-0 victory over Blackburn College Wednesday evening at Grant Gym, winning by set scores of 25-17, 25-13 and 25-22.
With the win, the Gorloks improve to 5-6 overall and 1-0 in SLIAC play.
Webster controlled the opening two sets, hitting .267 in the first set and .293 in the second. The Gorloks opened the first set with a 3-0 lead and maintained control throughout, while a strong start in the second set helped Webster build an early advantage before closing out the frame, 25-13.
The third set proved to be the closest of the night. Blackburn held several early leads before Webster battled back and eventually took control late. The teams were tied at 21-21 before the Gorloks scored three straight points to take a 24-21 lead. Blackburn answered with a point, but Webster closed out the match, 25-22.
Mea Bystrom and Leah McGrath led the Gorloks with 12 kills apiece. Bystrom hit .400 with just two errors on 25 attacks and added four digs and two blocks, while McGrath hit .355 with one error on 31 attacks and added 10 digs.
Reagan Howe added 11 kills while hitting .320, and Catherine Rennier finished with seven kills, an ace and two solo blocks. Carley Hersberger contributed six kills and two blocks, while Eva Tarlos added five kills.
Emma Price and Addison Urbanski combined for 41 assists, with Price recording 21 and Urbanski adding 20. Lexi Filkins led Webster defensively with 29 digs, while Lilly Bott added 14.
As a team, Webster recorded 53 kills and hit .266 for the match. The Gorloks also finished with 82 digs, seven total blocks and five service aces.
The Gorloks will return to action Saturday, Sept. 26, traveling to Eureka, Ill., to face Eureka College in a SLIAC matchup. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.
