Paul Quinn Cruises Past Rust College in Straight Sets
Little Rock, AR (Mims Gymnasium) – August 31, 2024 — Paul Quinn College continued their stellar play in the Little Rock Classic, sweeping Rust College (25-12, 25-10, 25-16) to secure their second victory of the day. Dominating offensively and defensively, Paul Quinn showed no signs of slowing down as they controlled the tempo throughout the match.
First Set: Paul Quinn Takes Command
Paul Quinn started strong, establishing their dominance with a 25-12 first-set win. Carrie Weston led the charge, hammering down 15 kills while hitting .406, a key factor in Paul Quinn's commanding lead. A'Niyah Harrison also contributed significantly with 6 kills on a .462 hitting percentage. Rust College struggled to find their footing, hitting .000 in the first set, unable to mount a significant challenge against Paul Quinn's formidable front line.
Second Set: Rust College Struggles to Respond
Rust continued to face difficulties in the second set, managing only 10 points as Paul Quinn surged ahead with a 25-10 win. Rust's Gabriella Gabriel was one of the few bright spots for the Bearcats, contributing 4 kills, but their overall attack percentage of .050 in the set reflected their struggles. Meanwhile, Paul Quinn's efficiency was on full display, with Weston, Harrison, and Laila Beck (who added 8 kills and hit .471) leading the offensive effort.
Third Set: Paul Quinn Secures the Sweep
Despite a more competitive third set, Rust couldn't contain Paul Quinn's relentless attack. The Tigers closed out the match with a 25-16 victory. Rust showed signs of improvement, hitting .212 in the final set, but Paul Quinn's depth and balanced offense proved too overwhelming. Spirit Phipps, with 11 assists and 3 service aces, was a crucial playmaker, facilitating Paul Quinn's relentless offense.
Player Highlights
- Paul Quinn:
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- Carrie Weston: 15 kills, .406 hitting percentage
- A'Niyah Harrison: 6 kills, 8 digs, .462 hitting percentage
- Laila Beck: 8 kills, .471 hitting percentage
- Spirit Phipps: 11 assists, 3 aces
- Ashley Sanchez: 15 digs
- Teasia Cooks: 12 assists, 3 digs
- Rust College:
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- Gabriella Gabriel: 4 kills, 13 digs
- Cameryn Morris: 2 kills, 11 digs, 1 ace
- Makayla Crawford: 3 kills, .188 hitting percentage
Match Stats
- Paul Quinn Hitting Percentage: .240
- Rust College Hitting Percentage: .105
- Service Aces: Paul Quinn (10), Rust College (4)
Paul Quinn's superior attacking, led by standout performances from Weston and Harrison, was complemented by their solid defense, anchored by Sanchez's 15 digs. Rust College, while showing moments of promise, particularly in the third set, was ultimately unable to match Paul Quinn's power and precision.
With this dominant victory, Paul Quinn demonstrates their strength in the Little Rock Classic, while Rust College will aim to make adjustments and improve in their upcoming matches.