MCPHERSON, Kan. – The Texas Wesleyan University volleyball team (14-8, 10-2 SAC) handled Central Christian (1-14, 1-12 SAC) 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-17) before challenging No. 22 McPherson College (22-1) in a 3-1 (25-19, 15-25, 21-25, 27-29) loss on Saturday. Sarah Benitez scored a career-high 16 digs in the win at Central Christian.
 
In the match against Central Christian, the Lady Rams established sizeable leads in each set, completely dominating from the first serve. Texas Wesleyan maintained a .252 hitting average, while the Tigers hit .077. The Tigers struggled to distribute the ball to hitters, as Texas Wesleyan was +20 in the assists column.
 
Dana Lohrke led all players with 12 kills, while Sasha Robinson led all players with 23 assists. Sarah Benitez led all players with a a career-high 16 digs in the win.
 
In the match against McPherson College, the Lady Rams gave the red hot Bulldogs all they could handle. TXWES went 17-4-34 for .441 in the first set to put McPherson on their heels early. The Bulldog defense responded in the second set and the momentum flip-flopped in favor of the home team. Texas Wesleyan took a misstep in set two, and the Bulldogs held the off the charging Rams in the final two sets.
 
The Lady Rams made it close, especially in the stat sheet. McPherson tallied 68 points, while TXWES closely trailed with 64. Kills were 54-51 McPherson and were only +3 in assists.
 
Four Rams notched double-double performances despite the loss. Jasmine Creek had 10 kills and 17 digs, Brittni Mohle posted 11 kills and 11 digs, Brenda Pargas added 16 assists and 12 digs, and Robinson tacked on 18 assists and 16 digs. Robinson also had nine kills in the effort.
 
Texas Wesleyan went a spotless 3-0 in conference in the 6-game road trip, and will come home to host Oklahoma Panhandle State in SAC action on Friday, October 12. The match is set for a 7:00 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.