The Pratt Community College volleyball team took on Dodge City Community College for the first match of a 2-game home stand in the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena. The Beavers and Conquistadors went head-to-head in a Jayhawk West conference matchup for the second time this season. PCC showed out in front of their home crowd by winning the match in straight sets and completing a season sweep of the Conquistadors 3-0 (25-19; 25-22; 25-23).
A quick start for the Beavers got the match finished in only three sets. Pratt saw their largest lead of the night in set one, as they jumped out to a 17-11 lead over Dodge City. PCC never trailed at any point in the first set.
The Conquistadors never held a lead greater than two points during any stretch in the match. An inability to keep their serve out of the net or inbounds plagued Dodge. A struggle to score points in general occurred, as the Beavers were persistent to keep the ball off the floor.
Throughout the course of three sets, Pratt earned 46 digs as a team. Libero Naomi Warren was able to keep the ball in play several times for total of 16 digs. By averaging over five digs per set, Warren managed to have a hand in 37 percent of the swings Pratt defended.
The blue and white were able to take all three sets by earning their own points on the offensive end. PCC scored a uniform 13 kills in all three sets. Pin hitters Remyngton Green and Morgan Bullinger tied for a team-high in kills with nine each. Not far behind was middle blocker Elise Baranco with eight kills of her own on only 13 attack attempts for a final hitting percentage of .462.
The Beavers' ability to score points resulted from their dedication to remaining in system. Pratt continuously picked up short serves and tips from the Dodge City offense and directed them to setter Olivia Hessman, who was able to dish out 34 assisting sets to her teammates.
"Both sides of our offense helped each other out. When the passing was off, our hitters bettered the ball and scored to give the back row a break. If hitting was off, the back row passed well to give our front row a better opportunity to swing," said Hessman.
PCC volleyball will play in their final regular season match this year at home against Garden City Community College on Oct. 23. The Beavers will look to finish the season strong beginning at 6:30 p.m.