Redlands Volleyball Gains Experience at Trinity Invitational

Photo credit:  Maria Michel
Photo credit: Maria Michel

The University of Redlands volleyball team traveled to San Antonio, TX, for the 2013 Trinity Invitational on Friday and Saturday.  Despite going 0-4 in the tournament, the Bulldogs came home with solid experience and much to grow on after taking on tough competition from around the nation.

Redlands opened the event with a four-set loss to Eastern University (PA) before dropping a sweep to host school, Trinity University (TX).  On Saturday, the Maroon and Gray battled it out against Webster University (MO) and Southwestern University (TX), falling to both opponents in four sets.

Among a quartet of defensive battles, the Bulldogs looked to senior Brittney Overgaag (Palm Desert, CA) and sophomore Karly Burningham (Sonoma, CA) to patrol the back row throughout the weekend.  Overgaag racked up more than 20 digs in each of the first two matches, before Burningham provided equally solid numbers in the final two contests. 

Senior outside hitter Morgan Buckner (San Rafael, CA) made additional defensive plays for the Maroon and Gray, totaling 62 digs in all to go along with six block assists.  Offensively, she also recorded a team-high 48 kills.

Sophomore outside hitter Ashton Martin (Redlands, CA) backed her at the net with 30 kills and 8 block assists. 

Three players shared the setting responsibilities, with senior Alisha Cornick (Hollister, CA) dishing out 62 assists, freshman Ellie McLeod (Redlands, CA) contributing 37, and sophomore Lauren Ellingwood (Kirkland, WA) adding 11.

Redlands (5-17, 2-8 SCIAC) returns to Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) competition with Tuesday's match at the University of La Verne at 7:30 p.m.  Fans may follow the action through the Leopards' live stats and video stream at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/laverne.portal#.