DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras women's volleyball team hosted conference-newcomer, the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves, in a 2 p.m. showdown on Saturday afternoon inside the Athletic and Wellness Center. In the match, the Duhawks were swept in straight sets by NWU (25-12, 25-21, 25-20), dropping Loras to 9-11 overall and 1-5 in the IIAC. Senior
Therese Schultz registered a team-high seven kills while setters senior
Jenna Erickson and sophomore
Claire Ritchie chipped in 13 assists a piece.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
SET ONE
- The Prairie Wolves got off to a fast start, racing out to a 7-2 lead, and prompting an early timeout from head coach Jenna Ness.
- NWU continued to stretch this advantage for the duration of the frame, ripping off five straight tallies to close out the Duhawks, 25-12, in set one.
SET TWO
- Set two featured even play from both sides, but Loras took a 19-17 lead following two consecutive service aces from senior Jenna Erickson, forcing a timeout from the Prairie Wolves.
- After the break in action, NWU regrouped to the tune of five straight tallies to steal the momentum from the Duhawks and take a 22-19 lead.
- Both teams traded points to the finish line in the second set with the Prairie Wolves coming out on top, 25-21.
SET THREE
- Tied at 19-all, NWU rattled off six of the last seven points in the match to take set three, 25-20, and complete the 3-0 sweep.
FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Claire Ritchie | In the sophomore's first game since an ankle injury sidelined her earlier in the week, Ritchie was a bright spot for Loras, recording 13 assists, two kills, two digs and a .667 attack percentage in defeat.
UP NEXT
Loras travels to Waverly next week for a rematch of last year's IIAC Tournament Championship against Wartburg. First serve is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
