Impressive Third Set Helps TU Overcome Spring Arbor

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UPLAND, Ind. – A flurry of schedule changes pitted Spring Arbor (5-4, 5-4 CL) against Taylor (6-6, 5-5 CL) on Wednesday in Odle Arena. TU grabbed the 21-25, 25-22, 25-11, 25-19 win in four sets, dominating in the third set with 16 kills and a .615 hitting percentage.

The Purple and Gold picked up their fourth-straight victory, as Amanda Adams landed a team-high 22 kills. The senior slammed at least 20 kills for the third time this season, offering an efficient night with a .333 hitting percentage. Adams also nabbed 17 digs for her sixth double-double of 2020.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first set, as the visiting Cougars came out with the win. An 18-16 lead for the Trojans evaporated with a four-point run for SAU, helping the Cougars take game one.

TU bounced back in set number two, winning 25-22 and never trailing throughout the set. Jessica Dodane capped off the game with a service ace, contributing two aces in the set.

The Taylor attack was historically great in the third set, connecting on 16 kills without an attack error for an astounding .615 hitting percentage. Adams collected half of the kill total with eight in the set and was followed closely by Nicki Sechrist with four. The offensive onslaught overwhelmed SAU, as the Trojans won the set by 14 points.

The momentum pushed the Trojans to the finish line, defeating the Cougars in four sets. The visitors did not have an answer in the final set, losing control with 11 attack errors.

Kacy Bragg organized the show as TU's setter, delivering 46 assists in the match. The Warsaw, Indiana native averaged 10 assists per set for the sixth time this season, including the last four contests.

Erin Peugh led the defense in the back row, contributing her ninth double-digit dig performance with 12 in the contest. Grace Isaacs provided the defense at the net, creating a wall for the Cougars to hit around. Isaacs logged seven total blocks on Wednesday, including three solo blocks.

At the net, Ryan Czerniak began the night on a roll, recording six kills in the opening set. The junior ultimately set a season-high with 12 kills in the outing.

Taylor will look to keep the win streak alive next Wednesday against No. 1 Marian (7-2, 7-2 CL) on the road at 7:00 pm.