Volleyball falls in Dig Pink match

Story by Hayley Morrical

Collins Center was swarming with the color pink on Tuesday as the volleyball team hosted Graceland University for its Dig Pink match. Baker lost its second straight conference match in five sets.

Both teams battled back and forth during the match by swapping wins, 25-27, 25-18, 18-25, 25-22, 10-15. The ‘Cats are now 14-8 overall, 3-2 in conference action.

Graceland took it to the ‘Cats from its service line. As a tough serving team, the Yellowjackets beat down Baker’s serve receive game and picked up five aces.

Without those passes, the Wildcats struggled running an offense. After the five sets, only sophomore setter Hannah Bettge and junior middle Danielle French broke into double-digit kills with 14 and 10, respectively.

In addition to her kills, Bettge recorded a triple-double against Graceland with 35 assists and 10 digs. Senior libero Sara Slater got up 30 digs herself, bringing her season total to 473. Slater ranks in the top 10 in total digs and No. 12 in digs per game in NAIA ball.

French, who is currently ranked No. 8 in NAIA in total blocks, shut down six Graceland hits on the night. The middle now has a total of 100 blocks on the season.

Baker looks to end its HAAC losing streak as it travels to Marshall, Missouri on Tuesday to take on Missouri Valley. MVC is 15-9 on the season, 2-3 in conference play.