Volleyball Takes First Loss to Valparaiso

Friday, September 19

Valparaiso, Ind.

7 p.m.

Murray State

9-1

Valparaiso

11-1

Murray State

Valparaiso

Photo by: Joel Coleman-Liberty

9/19/2014 9:39:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

Murray State volleyball started the Valparaiso Crossroads of America Classic with a loss to the tournament host Valparaiso, 1-3 (18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-18). The loss comes as the Racers' first of the season after winning nine straight to begin the year, a first in Murray State history.

During the first set, the Crusaders took a quick 5-2 lead and continued to hold an advantage of 7-4 until the Racers took the next five points to lead 9-7. After that, MSU never gave up the lead and took the first set 25-18. Valparaiso took a 5-2 lead in the second set, and continued to hold a 10-4 advantage. The Crusaders continued that momementum thoughout the stanza and took the second set 25-19.

The third set started with Valparaiso taking the lead, jumping out to10-6 advantage. The Racers were able to cut the lead 22-20 before losing the set 25-22. Valparaiso took the lead during the fourth set starting with a 5-0 lead, one they it would never reliquish and took the match with a 25-18 victory.

Four Racers notched double-doubles during the match. Taylor Olden had 16 kills and 15 digs, while Scottie Ingram turned in 15 kills and 13 digs. Kristen Besselsen added 10 kills and 16 digs for MSU, while Sam Bedard added 45 assists and 26 digs. Ellie Lorenz also had a strong perforamce with a team-high 25 digs.

When talking about the match, head coach David Schwepker said, "I thought we played hard and did some really great things. I was pleased with how hard they fought."

"I am ready. We need to have teams who are going to play hard. We are ready to make us stronger for conference play," said Schwepke about Saturday's matches.

The Racers return to action the Valpo tournament Saturday at 10:00 a.m. against George Washington, and then again at 4:30 p.m. against Sacramento State.