IRVINE, Calif. - The women's volleyball team extended its season-best win streak to 10 games as they took down the Warriors in five sets today.
Simpson drew first blood as they jumped out to the early 2-0 lead on a kill by
Kare Ann Oshiro.
However, the Warriors held control in the first set as the Red Hawks' last push pulled them within one, 21-20, on a kill by
Tiara Manns and a block by Oshiro before the Warriors closed out the first set 25-22.
Simpson answered back in the second set on a kill by
Elizabeth Heath and an ace by
Brooke Sarahina to give the Red Hawks the early lead.
With the score tied at 7-7, the Red Hawks scored five unanswered points to create separation.
Manns anchored the run with four kills while Sarahina picked up one kill.
The Warriors rallied late as they took the 23-21 lead. But the Red Hawks refused to go down as they scored four unanswered points to take the 25-23 victory to tie the match.
Mariah Napoleon provided the set-clinching kill while Heath and Oshiro posted crucial kills.
Simpson carried the momentum over into the third set as they dominated the Warriors by taking the third set 25-17 to take the match lead.
The Warriors clung to the 21-17 lead in the fourth set before Simpson tied the game at 21 on a kill by Napoleon and back-to-back aces by
Mackenzie Tataryn.
However, the Warriors prevailed as they took the fourth set 25-23 to force the decisive fifth set.
The Warriors jumped out to the early 4-2 lead before Simpson went on a crucial 8-1 run to take the commanding 10-5 lead.
Napoelon anchored the rally as she posted three kills and a block, while
Kiersti Howell posted two blocks and a kill.
Manns put the finishing touches as she posted three straight kills to give Simpson the 15-8 victory.
The Red Hawks had four double-digit kill performances as Napoleon led the team with a spectacular 22-kill performance.
Manns, Heath, and Howell rounded out the double-digit leaders as they combined for 37 kills.
Sarahina played an integral role as she had a monster game with a season-high 51 assists to go along with three aces, three kills, and 13 digs.
Brooklyn Jimenez led the defense with 19 digs to go along with seven assists.
Simpson looks to be back in action Thursday at home against Pacific Union College at 6 pm.
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