JACKSONVILLE, IL – Nebraska Wesleyan dominated day one of the IC Invitational, sweeping both Kenyon and host Illinois College on Friday at Sherman Gymnasium. The Prairie Wolves improved to 8-2 on the season while senior defensive specialist Kobie Patten reached a career milestone with her 1,000th dig.
HOW IT HAPPENED
KENYON MATCH
Nebraska Wesleyan made quick work of Kenyon in the opening match of the day, securing a 3-0 victory (25-14, 25-17, 25-22) behind a balanced offensive attack.
The Prairie Wolves established control early, jumping out to a commanding lead in the first set. The NWU offense was firing on all cylinders as junior Molly Ramirez and freshman Macy Plucker each tallied 14 kills, with Ramirez posting an impressive .520 hitting percentage. Setter Elecea Saathoff orchestrated the offense efficiently, distributing the ball to multiple attackers throughout the match.
After cruising through the first two sets, NWU faced a more determined Kenyon squad in the third. The final frame featured an incredible 17 ties and seven lead changes as both teams battled for momentum. With the score knotted at 22-22, the Prairie Wolves showed their composure, scoring the final three points of the match. Freshman Ava Stone delivered a clutch kill to put NWU ahead 24-22 before Plucker sealed the sweep with the match-winning point.
Defensively, Plucker led the team with eight digs, while Patten reached her milestone 1,000th career dig during the match, cementing her place in Nebraska Wesleyan volleyball history.
ILLINOIS COLLEGE MATCH
The Prairie Wolves earned a decisive sweep over host Illinois College in the nightcap, winning 25-12, 25-18, 26-24. Illinois College dropped to 4-6 following the loss.
NWU's offense clicked throughout the match, hitting .200 as a team. The Prairie Wolves dominated the opening set 25-12, establishing control early with efficient attacking and solid defense. The second set saw Nebraska Wesleyan maintain their momentum, pulling away for a comfortable 25-18 win.
Illinois College showed resilience in the third set, pushing the Prairie Wolves to extra points. With the hosts threatening to extend the match at 24-25, NWU remained composed. Following an attack error by Illinois College's Elliana Huckstep, Plucker delivered the match-winning kill on an assist from Saathoff to secure the 26-24 set victory and complete the sweep.
Plucker powered the offense with 10 kills and a solid .179 hitting percentage while adding eight digs and one service ace. Sophomore Jera Schuerman provided a spark off the bench with eight kills at a .167 clip. Saathoff directed the offense masterfully with 28 assists while leading the team with 11 digs for a double-double. The Prairie Wolves' defense held Illinois College to a mere .036 hitting percentage across the match.
Inside the Box Score
- Macy Plucker - The freshman outside hitter dominated both matches, totaling 24 kills, 16 digs, and one service ace on the day.
- Molly Ramirez - Posted 21 kills between both matches, including 14 kills on a blistering .520 hitting percentage against Kenyon
- Elecea Saathoff - Directed the offense with precision, recording 28 assists and 11 digs for a double-double against Illinois College
- Kobie Patten - The senior defensive specialist reached a career milestone with her 1,000th dig during the Kenyon match
- Jera Schuerman - Provided a significant spark off the bench with 8 kills hitting .167 against Illinois College
- Ava Stone - The freshman delivered in clutch moments, including a key kill during the final points of the Kenyon match
- Ella Foote - Contributed across multiple categories with 4 kills and 2 blocks against Illinois College
Up Next
The black and gold will close out the IC Invitational on Saturday, September 20, facing Illinois College again at 10:00 AM before taking on Monmouth at 12:00 PM.
