The University of Redlands volleyball team put up some quality numbers in a pair of wins on Saturday in Currier Gym, sweeping the Caltech Beavers in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown and cruising by the Providence Christian College Sea Beggars in straight sets.
Quality serving and a powerful attack created a lethal combination for the home team, as the Bulldogs posted a solid 25-14, 25-20, 25-10 victory over the Beavers. After four tie scores and two lead-changes in the opening set, the Maroon and Gray stayed head throughout the subsequent sets.
While utilizing 15 players, Redlands posted 14 service aces, with sophomore outside hitter Kailee McCoy (Chandler, AZ) knocking down six of them. Sophomore libero Abby Hickman (Phoenix, AZ) chipped in three as well.
In terms of offense, the Maroon and Gray was firing on all cylinders with junior setter Ellie McLeod (Redlands, CA) and senior setter Lauren Ellingwood (Kirkland, WA) effectively distributing the ball in split duties. McLeod dished out 18 assists, while Ellingwood offered 16. Freshman outside hitter Kaylee Burdick (Sun Valley, CA) provided the big arm for the Bulldogs, as she recorded 11 kills for a hitting percentage of .529. McCoy backed her with an efficient seven kills at a .545 clip.
After Providence Christian took care of business against Caltech in straight sets, the Bulldogs faced off against the Sea Beggars in a non-conference showdown. A total of five lead-changes took place in the three sets, but Redlands impressed with a 25-16, 25-12, 25-12 triumph.
The Maroon and Gray relied on the same strategy with tough serving and a diversified offense that included at least one kill each from 10 of the 14 players in the match. Freshman outside hitter Emma Böttger (Orange, CA) found her rhythm with five service aces and seven kills, while three other Bulldogs knocked down two apiece. Burdick led the offense with nine kills, while sophomore middle blocker Kiersten Langerud (Williamsburg, VA) found hardwood on six kills for a .364 hitting percentage. With only 10 swings, McCoy provided a stellar clip of .400 with four kills.
While sharing time on the court with Ellingwood, McLeod provided 21 assists in two sets of action.
Defensively, Hickman patrolled the back row in both matches, amassing 10 and 12 digs, respectively.
Redlands (5-6, 1-3 SCIAC) faces a busy week of competition, beginning with a home match on Tuesday, September 29, against the University of La Verne Leopards at 7:30 p.m. in Currier Gym. The Bulldogs also compete on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, in three road-matches.
