CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park University women's volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Elmhurst on Friday night inside the Carlson Gymnasium, falling by set scores of 25-13, 25-20, and 25-8. The Bluejays improved to 10-5 overall and 1-0 in CCIW play, while North Park moved to 5-8 and 0-2 in conference action.
Elmhurst seized control early in the opening set, racing to a 12-1 advantage behind strong serving and efficient attacking. North Park battled back with points from sophomore MB/OPP Kayna Kanemoto, junior MB Ivy Newville, senior OH Rian Hobbs, and senior MB Meg Rothermel, but the Bluejays closed out the frame 25-13.
The Vikings were more competitive in the second set. Kills from Hobbs, Rothermel, senior OPP Mercy Osayemi, and Kanemoto helped North Park stay within striking distance, and a service ace from senior setter Kendal Britton cut the deficit to 17-12. North Park later closed within 22-20 on a Hobbs kill, but Elmhurst answered with three of the final four points to take a two-set lead.
Set three was tied at 5-5 before Elmhurst used a 16-1 run, fueled by three service aces from Samantha Webb and strong play at the net from Katie Hurta, to put the match away at 25-8.
Hobbs paced the Vikings with 11 kills, while Rothermel added six kills on a .500 hitting percentage. Britton distributed 22 assists, and junior DS/L Xenia Gonzales recorded a team-high 10 digs.
Elmhurst hit .446 as a team and was led by Hurta's 11 kills. Webb added eight kills and three aces, while Freddie Temple directed the Bluejay offense with 22 assists.
What's Next?
North Park hosts Dominican (0-14) for a senior night contest on Saturday, October 3, back inside Carlson Gym. First serve is set for 7:00 PM.
