The Tiffin University volleyball team opened the 2018 season with a come from behind five set victory against Colorado Christian, and then dropped the back half of the twin bill 3-1 to Concordia University of Portland.
Tiffin University vs. Colorado Christian
Both sides showed season opening jitters, as neither side hit above .150 in the opening set. The Cougars controlled the pace early, rolling ahead to a 9-3 lead. Tiffin responded with a solid 14-3 run to hold a 17-12 lead at the midpoint in the set. Colorado Christian returned the favor with a 15-8 run to take the opening set 27-25.
The second set was fairly lopsided as the Cougars walloped Tiffin 25-11. The Dragons attack committed nine errors in the set, while amassing only six kills.
The 3rd set was the turning point in the match, as the Dragons managed to swing the momentum in their favor. Tiffin managed to hold a slim lead for the vast majority of the set, but a late charge by the Cougars tied the score at 23-23. The Cougars then stopped their momentum with a service error, and Olivia Davis pounded the final nail home to secure a 25-23 win.
The 4th set was another tense and tight affair as neither side could separate from the other. With the cougars leading 14-13, Tiffin made a quick rush with an ace and two Cougar errors' to lead 17-14. Tiffin never relinquished their lead as they were able to hold on for a 25-23 win.
The Dragons rode the momentum wave into the 5th set and roared out of the gate to a 7-2 lead. The Dragons maintained the lead and rolled to their first win of the season with a 15-10 5th set win.
Kyley Keene was the pace setter for the Dragons' attack, hammering home 15 kills. Tiffin's defense at the net was impeccable, logging 12 assisted blocks and three solo rejections. Jenna Huffman led Tiffin in the category with three solo efforts and four assisted blocks.
Tiffin University vs. Concordia University of Portland
The Dragons were able to jump out to an early lead, but it didn't last long. The Cavaliers regained the lead and never let go as the Dragons dropped the opening set 25-17.
The Dragons scratched and clawed their way to a 26-24 victory in the second set. Trailing for a large portion of the set, the Dragons made a midpoint charge to gain some momentum. The 13-2 run by Tiffin enabled them to hold a 22-18 lead, but the Cavaliers had a last gasp left as they tied the score at 24-24. An attack error and service ace by Emily Weithman finished the set for Tiffin.
The final two sets went in favor of Concordia 25-23, but Tiffin had ample opportunities to win the match. In the 4th set Tiffin raced to a 13-2 lead early, but couldn't hold on as the Cavaliers closed the set on a 23-10 run. The final set was similar to the 3rd, as Tiffin got off to a hot start, but fizzled down the stretch. With a 21-18 lead, the Dragons surrendered a 7-2 run to drop the set.
The Dragons' attack never hit above .200 in any set, posting a match hitting percentage of only .106. Amanda Curry had the hot hand in the match, posting 17 of Tiffin's 46 kills. The Dragons collected 14 more blocks in the contest with Grace Schreiber leading the charge with six.
The Dragons will be back in action tomorrow in Portland, playing two more contests.