Paul Quinn Falls to Jarvis Christian in Thrilling Four-Set Battle
On November 1, 2024, Paul Quinn College took on Jarvis Christian College in an intense four-set match at the E.W. Rand Center but ultimately fell short, losing 3-1. In a back-and-forth contest marked by fierce rallies and key plays, Jarvis Christian's offensive firepower and strong closing sets proved too much for Paul Quinn to overcome. The defeat leaves Paul Quinn at a 12-12 season record with a 5-8 conference standing.
A Competitive Start for Paul Quinn
The match opened with an evenly fought first set, as both teams displayed aggressive attacks. Paul Quinn, led by senior Carrie Weston, kept the score close before narrowly falling 25-18. Weston finished the night with 12 kills on 30 attempts and earned 13 points. A'Niyah Harrison and Brittany Brown-Riddick each contributed in key moments, though they struggled with consistency, posting hitting percentages of -.037 and -.091, respectively.
Key Contributors and Challenges
Despite the loss, there were several bright spots for Paul Quinn. Setter Teasia Cooks had a stellar night, leading the team with 19 assists and demonstrating poise under pressure. She also chipped in with a service ace and solid defensive positioning. Kristen Williams showcased strong serving skills with four aces, keeping Jarvis Christian on edge during the second set.
While Paul Quinn had pockets of success, their hitting percentage was a modest .037, hampered by unforced errors and a determined Jarvis Christian defense. The second set showed promise for Paul Quinn as they rallied to win 25-21, with their defense tightening and a balanced offensive front, but they couldn't sustain the momentum into the third set.
Jarvis Christian's Offensive Power Shines
Jarvis Christian countered with an impressive offensive showing. Outside hitter Mahogani Wilson led the team with 13 kills and a .360 hitting percentage, causing difficulties for Paul Quinn's defense throughout. Her teammate, Aaronyana Wilson, was equally formidable, recording 13 kills and a .280 hitting percentage. Shayla Montemayor added a strategic eight kills and played a key role in Jarvis Christian's closing set victories.
Jarvis Christian's performance peaked in the fourth set, where they hit .324 as a team and sealed the match with a 29-27 win. The hosts ended with a match-high .218 hitting percentage, which allowed them to edge Paul Quinn in crucial rallies.
Set Breakdown
The final scoreline was:
- Set 1: Jarvis Christian 25, Paul Quinn 18
- Set 2: Paul Quinn 25, Jarvis Christian 21
- Set 3: Jarvis Christian 25, Paul Quinn 17
- Set 4: Jarvis Christian 29, Paul Quinn 27
Paul Quinn's offensive execution fluctuated, from a promising .194 hitting percentage in the fourth set to a challenging -.091 in the second set. The fourth set was especially thrilling, with Paul Quinn fighting to extend the match but ultimately falling short in a narrow 29-27 finish.
Looking Forward
Despite the loss, Paul Quinn showcased resilience and the ability to compete against a formidable opponent. As the season draws to a close, they will look to clean up unforced errors and build on their teamwork and offensive strategies. With several players, like Cooks and Weston, performing at high levels, Paul Quinn remains a team to watch as they prepare for their next challenges.