WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Texas Wesleyan University (1-1) had a mixed day at the Keiser Volleyball Summer Classic, starting with a decisive 3-0 victory over Goshen College (0-2) in the morning before falling to Cumberlands (KY) (2-0) in the afternoon match. In the first game, Texas Wesleyan showcased a strong performance with a .286 hitting percentage and tallied nine service aces.
In Game One, The Rams began their match against Goshen with an early lead, thanks to a kill from
Loes Peijnenburg.
Faith McClellan played a crucial role, contributing multiple kills that helped maintain Texas Wesleyan's edge. Midway through the set,
Vanya Palmeros delivered a series of service aces, pushing the Rams ahead to 8-3.
Migdaly Bernal's offensive prowess further widened the gap, leading to a 25-16 victory in the first set.
In the second set, Texas Wesleyan took control, overcoming an early deficit after Peijnenburg's pivotal service ace sparked a 6-0 run. The team continued to pressure the Maple Leafs, with
Kayla Myers and Palmeros adding points through kills and aces. As the set progressed, consistent play and opponent errors allowed Texas Wesleyan to close strong, winning the set 25-9 with McClellan sealing the deal with a final kill.
The third set opened with momentum for Texas Wesleyan, highlighted by
Madison Grekstas' early kill. The Rams quickly capitalized on Goshen's errors to build a 7-2 lead. Despite a brief response from the Maple Leafs, Texas Wesleyan maintained control, with Bernal and Churin finding gaps in the defense. A final kill by Churin secured the set at 25-18, solidifying the Rams' commanding victory.
McClellan led the team with nine kills, contributing a .217 hitting percentage and one solo block. Bernal was also significant with nine kills at a .353 hitting percentage.
Lillian Breaux facilitated the offense with 19 assists and one ace, while Palmeros bolstered the defense with 12 digs and three aces.
In Game Two, Texas Wesleyan fell in straight sets, 18-25, 21-25, 22-25. The Rams started the first set with momentum, taking advantage of early service errors from the Patriots. McClellan and Bernal contributed points, but Cumberlands found their rhythm, securing the first set 25-18 despite late efforts from the Rams.
The second set saw Texas Wesleyan initially trading points before gaining momentum through a service ace from
Loes Peijnenburg and key blocks from Grekstas and Peijnenburg, leveling the score at 3-3. The Rams fought hard and tied the score at 20-20, but the Patriots pulled away to take the set 25-21.
In the third set, the Rams started strong but faced a comeback from Cumberlands, who tied the score at 5-5. The Patriots then extended their lead, but Texas Wesleyan rallied to draw level at 22-22 after a service ace by
Lilia Ottenwalder. Unfortunately, the Rams could not capitalize on their momentum, and the Patriots closed the set 25-22.
Madison Grekstas led the Rams against Cumberlands with eight kills and two blocks.
Lillian Breaux again facilitated the offense with 13 assists and a perfect hitting percentage with one kill on one attempt.
Faith McClellan contributed seven kills and eight digs, while
Florencia Churin posted a .364 hitting percentage with five kills on 11 attempts, enhancing the team's offensive efficiency.
The Rams will await their opponents tomorrow as they play in day two of the tournament on Saturday, August 15 with times to be determined.
