The NI program split the squad and
played the ‘B’ team and lost in three sets: 9–25, 16–25, and 21–25. Coach Barb Herron
played the NI players that were in need of playing experience, and this was
accomplished against the mix of the MBI team. Coach B. Herron explained afterward,
“These players will be better off for this experience. They need to play and
feel the adversity of competition so as to know how to respond.” Byron Aynes, Cory
Jones, and Josh Netz led the effort against the Archers.
Coach Dave Herron prepared his ‘A’
team for the noon battle. He commented, “I knew that the MBI squad was much
improved over the last two seasons. My only concern was getting my group ready to
compete. We have to play the game successfully before we can worry about what
is up on the scoreboard!” The Pioneers proved themselves ready to play in the
first set by getting a 13–7 lead. That was extended to 21–13 on strong serving and
some productive offense from Micah Herron (6 kills) and Steven Yates (5 kills).
NI took the first set, 25–14.
The second set had MBI raise their game, keeping
the score close with NI having a slim 13–12 lead. The Pioneer serve receive
faltered some and gave the MBI side some easy transitions to a 21–17 led. A
couple of Archer hitting errors let NI back in at 19–21. A Pioneer service
ace, an MBI block error, and then an Archer kill had the score tied at 23–23.
Isaac Cummins scored a stuff block, and Travis Jacobs came off the sideline and
served a line-drive ace to help NI win, 25–23.
Set three saw MBI come out with
renewed determination and claim a 15–7 lead. “We kept cruising at the speed we
had finished set two, and they stepped on the gas. They ‘ran the middle’ and forced
us into errors. I called my final time-out at 16–20 and told them we need to get the
momentum back IF we were going to set four,” commented Coach Herron.
Set four
began with a strong service game and good conversions by the Pioneer offense.
Justin DeLizo made some smart sets, and NI found themselves up, 14–10. The MBI
offense had some unforced errors, and the Pioneers claimed a 22–16 lead. A
Steven Yates’ kill gave NI the ball and a 23–18 lead. Isaac Cummins ‘roofed’ a
swing by an Archer and then scored a kill in the middle to give the set to NI,
25–18, along with a 3–1 match win.
Captain Micah Herron commented afterward, “We enjoy
playing in this great facility. We enjoy watching DI MVB the night before. We
enjoy the travel to the city. What we really need to enjoy is being more
consistent with our play. If we want to extend our season on to Houston, Texas, we
have to be much better!” Senior Andrew Schilling also commented “We just need
to recognize the responsibility to use all the ability God has granted as well
as we can; then things will take care of themselves.”
The NI team plays at home on
Tuesday, February 28; Friday, February 11; and Saturday, February 12, against UWGB, UW Oshkosh, and Concordia. Match
times begin at 7:30 p.m. during the week and at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Pioneers are in a
crucial stretch of matches during the next two weeks that may determine their
National Tournament chances.