Memphis, TN, 9/10/21 – The Westminster College Blue Jay volleyball team travelled to Memphis, TN to compete in the Rhodes College Classic. The Blue Jays faced the Huntingdon College Hawks. The Blue Jays would take a two sets to one lead in the match but could not close it out falling in a fifth and deciding set 15-13. Senior libero Erica Schrader (Imperial, MO / St. Pius X) would reach a career milestone of 1,000 digs with her 12th dig of the night. She would record a total of 14 digs in the match.
The Blue Jays had a chance to win the match in the fifth set but just could not get over the hill. Neither team would lead by more than two points in the set but despite another incredible performance by junior outside hitter Eryka Wanyonyi (Columbia, MO / Hickman), who recorded a double double with 15 kills and 23 digs, the Hawks would still prevail in the end.
Junior outside hitter Haley Menke (O'Fallon, MO / Fort Zumwalt West) led the Blue Jays in kills with 16. Senior setter Gretchen Durbala recorded 38 assists on the night. Durbala would also record six service aces. Senior middle blocker Claire Whitehouse (St. Louis, MO / Parkway Central) would lead the Jays at the net with two solo blocks.
Coach Dalton Tucker had this to say about the match, "This is not the result that we wanted but this tournament is a good early test of where we are at. The good thing is that we get to compete again real soon today so we have to learn and get better." He added, "I am very happy and very proud of Erica and her accomplishment of 1,000 career digs. This is a testament to all the hard work she has put in for the team over the years and dedication to the sport she loves."
The loss dropped the Blue Jays to 1-2 on the season. The Blue Jays are back in action in game two of the Rhodes College Classic against undefeated Austin College. That match is set for a 3:30 p.m. first serve.
