Columbia, MO, 9/1/21 – The Dalton Tucker era of Westminster College volleyball debuted Wednesday night in a tough match up with undefeated NAIA power the Columbia College Cougars on their home court. The 7-0 Cougars were playing their seventh game of the season as opposed to the Blue Jays who were making their season debut. The Result was a 3-0 (10-25, 11-25, 20-25) setback for the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays fall to 0-1 on the young season.
Coach Tucker had this to say about the match, "Columbia College is one of the top teams we will go up against all season. You could tell it was our first game out and that they had already played six games." He added, "We know what we need to work on and are ready to get back after it next week agains Stephens in our home opener."
The Blue Jays were led in kills by juniors Haley Menke (O'Fallon, MO / Fort Zumwalt West) and Eryka Wanyonyi (Columbia, MO / Hickman) who each tallied seven. Senior Libero Erica Schrader recorded 12 digs to tie for top honors with Wanyonyi who also had 12. Senior setter Gretchen Durbala (, IA / ) tallied 17 assists and had two service aces to lead the Jays in both categories. Senior middle blocker Claire Whitehouse led the Jays at the net with one solo block.
The Cougars outhit the Blue Jays .277 to -.033. The Cougar blockers had an effect on the outcome as they recorded one solo block and 12 block assists vs. the Blue Jay attack.
The Blue Jays will be back in action on Wednesday September 7th when they will welcome the Stephens College Stars to Historic Gym for their 2021 home opener. The contest is scheduled for a first serve at 6:00 p.m.
