Bulldog spikers shock No. 1 team

By STEVE SELL, Sentinel Sports Editor

Quite simply, it was McPherson College's biggest volleyball victory since Nathalea Stephentook over as head coach.

The Bulldogs, in the throes of a two-game losing streak, shocked the No. 1 team in the KCAC Wednesday night when they needed only four games to upset the Friends Falcons, 30-21, 30-16, 29-31 and 30-27 at the Sport Center.

"This was a great win for us and a confidence builder that we can play with people in our conference if we just believe in ourselves," Stephenson said.

Friends had entered the week in a three-way tie with Tabor and Kansas Wesleyan for the top spot at 10-3.

The Bulldogs moved to 9-6 in the conference and 18-9 overall, that after going 8-19 last season.

The Bulldogs were in total control of the first two games and nearly ended it with a sweep, leading the third game 29-27. But the Bulldogs got a little too anxious and the Falcons wound up coming back for the win.

It seemed momentum then was on Friends' side, as it led the fourth game 8-1. But 10 straight points, behind the serving of Lisa Salazar, propelled the Bulldogs. After the score was knotted at 25-all, Mac wound up pulling away for the victory.

The Bulldogs play Saturday at Bethel.

Statistics

Andrea Gonzales -- 7 kills, 11 digs, 1 solo block. Jenni Marquette -- 7 kills, 3 solo blocks, 2 assisted blocks. Erin Pargman -- 3 kills, 1 solo block. Lisa Salazar-- 5 kills, 2 aces, 20 digs, 3 solo blocks, 2 assisted blocks. Stefanie Slinkard -- 11 kills, 7 solo blocks. Kelsey Hendricks -- 20 assists, 1 ace, 7 digs. Kelsey Crist -- 1 ace, 13 digs. Kendra Stephenson -- 18 assists, 11 digs.