HAMMOND, Ind. – Kentucky Wesleyan volleyball (4-15, 1-8 G-MAC) picked up a set victory but fell 3-1 to Missouri S&T (10-9, 2-5 GLVC) on Friday to open Midwest Region Crossover play.
Arielis Hernandez led Kentucky Wesleyan with 12 kills, while
Hadley Wolfe added 10 kills while hitting .500.
Abigail Butterworth contributed eight kills, and
Ella Thomas recorded six kills and four service aces.
Sophie Spanier placed the defense with 15 digs, while
Ana De Sevilla-Acosta finished with 22 assists and 14 digs. The Panthers totaled 47 kills and 62 digs as a team.
Missouri S&T 3-1 Kentucky Wesleyan (25-16, 21-25, 25-19, 25-14)
SET ONE: Missouri S&T 25-16 Kentucky Wesleyan
Kentucky Wesleyan struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the opening set, finishing with 10 kills and nine attack errors. The Panthers stayed within reach early, with Wolfe and Hernandez contributing kills, but Missouri S&T gradually built its advantage. The Miners capitalized on Kentucky Wesleyan's errors and found consistent success at the net to pull away late and take the opening set, 25-16.
SET TWO: Missouri S&T 21-25 Kentucky Wesleyan
The Panthers responded with their strongest offensive set of the match, hitting .345 with 14 kills and just four errors. Kentucky Wesleyan traded points with the Miners early before creating separation with contributions throughout the lineup. Hernandez and Wolfe helped spark the attack, while Thomas delivered a service ace during a key stretch. Butterworth also came through with important kills late in the set as the Panthers held off Missouri S&T to even the match at one set apiece with a 25-21 win.
SET THREE: Missouri S&T 25-19 Kentucky Wesleyan
Missouri S&T regained the lead with a strong third-set performance. The Miners used a balanced attack to build momentum, while Kentucky Wesleyan worked to stay within striking distance. Wolfe and Thomas provided kills, and Hernandez added points as the Panthers continued to battle. Missouri S&T finished the set with 15 kills and hit .343, however, taking a 25-19 victory to move within one set of the match.
SET FOUR: Missouri S&T 25-14 Kentucky Wesleyan
The Miners carried their momentum into the fourth set, opening with a quick start and putting Kentucky Wesleyan under pressure. The Panthers continued to get contributions from Hernandez, Wolfe, and
Mackenzie Bristol, but Missouri S&T's offense remained efficient. The Miners recorded 17 kills in the set and hit .359, pulling away to secure a 25-14 win and close out the match in four sets.
UP NEXT
Kentucky Wesleyan continues play at the Midwest Region Crossover on Saturday, October 17th, facing Upper Iowa at 9 a.m. CT before taking on Lake Superior State at 2 p.m. CT.
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