Grimes, Iowa. -- Evangel volleyball lost for only the second time this season but went 1-1 in the first day of the Grand View Tournament with a 3-0 win over Ashford (Iowa) and a 3-1 loss to 3rd ranked Missouri Baptist 3-1 on Friday in Grimes, Iowa.
Evangel downed Ashford 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, and 25-23) in the first match of the day. Senior Haley Watson led the Crusaders with 12 kills and five blocks. Senior libero Morgan Smith had 23 digs while seniors Maddie Baumann and Chloe Hadley each recorded 16 saves in the win. Senior Danielle Kepler added three service aces.
Evangel lost the first two sets in their match against Missouri Baptist 25-22 and 25-20 before they broke through with a 25-19 win in the third set. But the comeback was not to be as Missouri Baptist got up on the Crusaders early in the fourth and held on for a 25-19 set win and the match. Freshman Heather Gahm led Evangel with 12 kills while junior Morgan Kensinger had 10 blocks. Morgan Smith added 20 digs and Maddie Baumann recorded 16 assists in the loss for Evangel.
The Crusaders moved to 29-2 on the season. Ashford dropped to 18-14 and Missouri Baptist improved to 25-3.
Evangel will be in action again Saturday October 17th when they play on day two of the Grand View Tournament. First match is scheduled for 11:30am against Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) followed by Bellevue (Neb.) at 2:00pm.
