SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Southwestern College volleyball team hit the road for the first time this season on Friday, as they battled the Briar Cliff University Chargers in their first bout at the 2022 Charger Invitational, hosted by Briar Cliff. It was not the Builders' night on Friday, as they were unable to pick up a set win in the tilt, en route to a 25-16, 26-24, 25-19 defeat.

The opening stanza began closely contested, but ended on a sour note for the Builders, as they allowed an 11-2 run to finish off the set by a final of 25-16. An unfortunate seven kill to nine error attacking ratio, and a -.053 attacking percentage in the first frame put the Moundbuilders in a tough spot down one set to none.

In the following frame, Southwestern led by as many as six points in the latter stages of the set, but allowed a very similar 11-3 run to the Chargers in the second set. After holding a 21-15 advantage, the Moundbuilders dropped the stanza, 26-24 to Briar Cliff. The Builders converted on just eight of their 47 total attacks, as they struggled to find consistency on offense with a .021 attacking clip this time around.

Southwestern had their best offensive set in the last of the three played, though it was not enough to catch the Chargers, who hit at a more impressive clip throughout the match. A 25-19 finish to the ultimate period of play, in favor of the hosts, put an end to the Builders' chances in this one. The squad did attack the ball with much better results, connecting on a match-high 13 kills in the final set.

Kinley Williams was credited with eight kills in the match to lead the squad. She had 29 attempts in the battle, and committed just four errors. Out of all qualifying SC attackers, she led the team in attacking percentage with a .138 clip. Both Daci Stover and Hannah Weber tallied six putaways, while finishing with positive hitting clips.

The Moundbuilders were able to get production from multiple setters, as Sierra Norlin led the squad with 12 assists, and Reece Likes contributed nine dimes to the team total. Sophia Wicker was the other Builder to add multiple assists, with three.

Wicker carried the defensive torch, leading the squad with 24 digs in the battle. She was followed by a 15-dig performance by Weber, an 11-dig showing from Norlin, and a strong seven pickups from Likes. Additionally, Williams snagged five of her own. It was a disappointing night for SC on the block, as no blocks were recorded by the team.

After the first stumbling block of the season for Southwestern (1-1), they will look ahead to tomorrow's battles to close out the Charger Invitational. The bouts will be against the Valley City State University Vikings at 10 a.m., as well as the Mount Mercy University Mustangs at 2 p.m. Each match will be a huge challenge for the Builders, as they look to head home with confidence and two more wins under their belt.

--buildersports.com--