Lady Pioneers Snatch First Win in Hot Springs

Lady Pioneers Snatch First Win in Hot Springs- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 9/12/24

Hot Springs, Ark.- CRC Lady Pioneer Volleyball claimed their first win of the season, improving to 1-1 on the year with a road win over the Lady Tigers of Champion Christian College. In tonight's contest, the Lady Pioneers struck first by claiming the opening set before seeing the hosting Tigers even the score with a set-two win but thanks to a stout second push from CRC, the Pioneers rallied back and plowed their way to victory in the final two sets. Sets went as follows: 25-20 CRC, 17-25 CCC, 25-19 CRC, and 25-12 CRC. 

In the opening set, Hannah Halverson made her impact early as the senior leader collected 2 of her team-leading 7 service aces in the first frame of action helping lift CRC ahead of CCC. Set two the Pioneers backtracked as the team in green seemed to have it under control until a mid-set push from the Lady Tigers allowed CCC to link together a massive run and reclaim the lead 11-10. Crowley's Ridge would burn both timeouts attempting to regain their footing but the Tigers' attack never lessened causing CRC to face its one set loss of the evening. 

During the pivotal third set, CRC battled with the Lady Tigers for control of the game's momentum, and thanks to a couple of big hammers from middle blocker Brooklyn Cross followed by another service ace from Hannah Halverson, CCC was forced to take a time-out as they trailed the Pioneers 19-13. When play resumed, freshman Alyssa Dirden left little room for Tiger hope as the Scott City, MO native smashed out two vibe-stopping kills to help CRC win the set and reclaim the lead.

In the fourth and final set, CRC put the contest away by producing a massive 11-2 point run midway through the set, stretching the comeback victory beyond the Tiger's reach.  CRC's front line stood stout as the Lady Pioneers dominated the net holding the Lady Tigers to just 12 points, their lowest of the evening. 

Jadyn Hesse and Jillian Glasgow combined for 26 assists in the win with the team producing 40  kills. Hannah Halverson led the offensive charge ending with 11 kills and 7 service aces. Alyssa Dirden finished one kill short of a double-double with her 9-kill evening and team-leading 12 digs. Brooklyn Cross was a force to be reckoned with on the net as the middle blocker picked up 5 blocks in the contest. Lastly, sophomore Mallory Hollis added a respectable 10 digs to the CRC cause. 

Up Next: CRC will host Bethel University in its home opener this Saturday, September 14th in the Carter Activities Center. Service is slotted for a 1:00 PM start time. #GOPIONEERS