Spartans fizzle after hot start in home opener

The Southwestern Spartans volleyball team got out to an 8-1 start Thursday in the first set of their home opener with Peru State (Nebraska) with a rowdy student section cheering them on. They went on to win the first set, but fell in the following three to lose 3-1 to the Bobcats.

“We came out strong and communicated well,” Coach Taylor Shipley said. “As the game progressed, we had to fight for every point. Our focus was to play smart and force the other team to make the errors.”

With an early win 25-20, it was the Bobcats who earned the first point in the second set to take their first lead of the night. Though the Spartans took back the lead, it wasn’t long lived. The Bobcats took the next three wins, 25-20, 25-21 and 25-17.

“It’s tough to overcome a team that has so much depth on their bench,” Shipley said. “We’re a small team and by set four, the girls were tired. Overall, we saw some really great things and the girls did a great job adjusting to a new rotation. I think we’ll see a lot of progress as we move forward through the season.”

Samira Baade, a sophomore from Germany, transitioned from setter to outside hitter this season. She led the team with 11 kills.

“Samira Baade is a great utility player,” Shipley said. “She excels no matter where she’s at on the court.”

The team’s six freshman proved their strength during the game.

“We’ve got two freshman setters, Jayda Chew and Beatriz Goncalves, they are very different players which I think is a great thing for our team,” Shipley said. “It forces our opponents to make adjustments to their defense and gives our hitters more options.”

Goncalves dominated on offense, putting up 15 of the team’s 28 assists. Chew of Murray contributed nine.

“Our first home game of the season wasn’t a win, but I think we played very well and worked hard,” Chew said. “Our first set was best I think we’ve played throughout all of our preseason scrimmages and tournament games last weekend. We didn’t get the final outcome we had hoped for, but I think with a little bit more consistency, confidence and energy 100% of the time, we can plan on a very successful season.”

Freshman libero Emily Strait had 19 digs, followed by Goncalves who had 16.

“I think we saw a lot of good things during this game, and what we need to change,” Strait said. “I see so much potential for this team if we just fix the little things on our side and come together more as a team. I’m really excited to see what we can do.”

Sophomore Hallica Warren-Anderson had three blocks to lead the team and she and Goncalves each served three aces.

“Overall, we saw some really great things and the girls did a great job adjusting to a new rotation,” Shipley said. “I think we’ll see a lot of progress as we move forward through the season.”

The Spartans return to action Wednesday at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville.