Lady Pioneers fall in CAC Classic opener

October 22, 2021

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Crowley's Ridge fell in the first game of the Continental Athletic Conference Classic held at Haskell (Kan.) Indian Nations University. The Lady Pioneers matched up with Florida College, who defeated the girls in green in straight sets, (23-25, 17-25, 17-25).

Crowley's Ridge (7-13) fought hard in the opening set, taking a lead as late as 19-18. The Falcons were able to pull to set point, but the Lady Pioneers drew as close as possible when Emi Elms' service ace made the score 24-23 in favor of FC. The Falcons managed to collect the kill to win the first set 25-23.

Florida College (16-14) jumped ahead in the second set by opening with four unanswered points. Crowley's Ridge would stay within reach of the Falcons, with a 3-0 run helmed by a pair of Elms kills. The late run was unsuccessful, as FC took the second set 25-17.

The Lady 'Neers again kept the third set close, but fatigue began to take its toll, with the Falcons pulling ahead late to win the set 25-17.

Crowley's Ridge continued to keep their errors to a minimum, hitting 11.5% as a team over the match, led by Hannah Halverson's 12-kill night. Olivia Deckelman stood tall, blocking two Falcon attacks.

Up Next

Crowley's Ridge will play the final two matches of the CAC Classic against Florida National and Lincoln Christian (Ill.) University. The first match against FNU is set for 9 a.m., with the Red Lion rematch slated for 11 a.m.