Trojans Open 2019 with Split in California

Vanguard Box Score | William Carey Box Score

FULLERTON, Calif. – The Taylor volleyball team found its rhythm late into its second match of Wednesday's season-opening doubleheader in California, rallying from an 0-2 match deficit to top William Carey in five sets, after falling to No. 18 Vanguard in three.

The Trojans struggled throughout the opening match at Vanguard, giving up a total of 36 points in the 25-13, 25-20, 25-17 loss with 20 hitting errors, 10 serving errors and six receiving errors.

Julia Pomerenke and Ryan Czerniak were two bright spots, combining for 14 kills and only two errors in 26 total swings. Samantha Korn scooped 13 digs, with Amanda Adams logging two aces and Kacy Bragg debuting with 10 assists and nine digs.

TU's second clash of the day opened in similar fashion, with the Trojans moving over to the campus of Hope International but still struggling to find their precision. Taylor fell 25-23 and 25-13 to open the contest, before storming back 25-22, 25-17 and 15-11 to pull out the neutral court victory against William Carey.

The Purple and Gold ripped 33 kills in those final three sets, with Adams finishing with a team-high 13 kills and Pomerenke closing with 11 kills and five blocks. Korn and Jessica Dodane secured the defense with 25 and 15 digs respectively, while Bragg and Abby DeSimpelare chipped in a combined 41 assists, 14 digs, eight kills and four blocks from the setter position.

Taylor (1-1) will continue play at the Hope International Tournament on Thursday, when it takes on La Sierra and Benedictine-Mesa at 3:00 and 9:00 pm (ET).