Baker Volleyball Splits Pair of Matches on Wednesday

MCPHERSON, Kan. - Ending the month of August, the Baker volleyball team split two games hosted by Central Christian on Wednesday, defeating Central Christian in four sets, 3-1, before falling to Bethel in straight sets to end the day.

To start the day, the Wildcats dropped the first set to Central Christian, but then came fighting back to win the next three sets. Both Nellie LaFountain and Adelyn Bybee led the 'Cats with 11 kills each while Kierra Hipple also reached double figures with 10 kills.

With set one being close early on, Baker gave up two runs to Central Christian that pushed the game just out of reach. Baker would fight to cut the lead to 24-18, but a kill from CCC ended set one by a score of 25-18.

Baker came out hot in set two, jumping out to a 5-2 lead, but that lead was quickly erased as the Tigers tied the game at six. Central Christian was able to take a 20-19 lead late in the set, but Baker rallied to win set two on back-to-back kills from LaFountain and Bybee, 25-23.

Baker held the lead throughout set three, as Central Christian could not get within two points late in the set. Baker held onto a 21-19 lead late, but four straight attacking errors from the Tigers put the set away, 25-19 and gave Baker a 2-1 lead in the match.

Rolling into set four with all of the momentum on Baker's side, the Wildcats capitalized and while trailing 4-3, Baker scored eight unanswered points to take a commanding 12-3 lead. Baker did not give the Tigers a chance to make a comeback as they finished off set four with a score of 25-14 and defeated Central Christian, 3-1.

In the second match of the day, Bybee once again led the team in kills with six, while Kierstyn Harmon picked up a team-high 13 assists. In set one, the Threshers took an early lead, but Baker fought to tie the set at 10 partway through. Bethel then regained the lead and never gave it back as Baker dropped set one, 25-18.

Again in set two, the Wildcats fell behind early, but this time could not recover, eventually falling in set two, 25-12. Baker couldn't get things rolling in set three either, falling 25-17 and losing the match, 3-0.

Baker is now 2-3 on the season. They will be back at home inside the Collins Center on Saturday at 12 p.m., when they host Southwestern.

#BakerBuildsChampions