The William Jewell volleyball team needed nearly two and a half hours but earned a five set victory over Wayne State University (MI) to open the Midwest Region Crossover on Friday morning. The Cardinals downed the Warriors by scores of 20-25, 36-34, 21-25, 28-26, 19-17. 

How it Happened

• The Cardinals fell into an early 16-6 hole in the opener before mounting a rally. Two kills each from Grace Baucom and Elizabeth Quinn pulled Jewell within four. 
• Trailing 17-15 in the second set, the Cards went on a 8-3 to take a 23-20 lead. The Warriors responded and tied the set at 23, the first of what would became 11 ties over the next 22 points, leading to the longest set in the NCAA era. A kill from Baucom, coupled with an error by Wayne State pushed Jewell over the top 36-34. 
• In set three Jewell pulled ahead 17-14 only to see the Warriors rally to go on a 9-4 run to steal the set 25-21.
• The fourth set was another battle that featured nine ties. Trailing 26-25 Baucom again came through with a kill followed by two WSU errors to give Jewell the win 28-26. 
• The finale turned this already wild match into an instant classic as the Cardinals led 12-10 before Wayne State scored three straight to regain the lead. Five ties and three lead changes later, Jewell earned the win on a kill from setter Megan Rhule. 

For the Cardinals 

• Baucom led three players in double-figures with 15 kills. Quinn added 14 and Maddie Winger 13. 
• Lacey Albers led the team with seven blocks with Lily Johnson posting five. 
• Kennedy Ruckh led the defense with 23 kills while Paityn Hardison finished with 15 and Rhule 13. 
• Lauren Castaneda posted 29 assists and Rhule 28. 

For the Warriors

• Madelyn Krenz posted a a game-high 30 kills, followed by Lauren VanderWal 21, Taylor Wagner 20. 
• Kambryn Duffield collected 71 assists while Taylor Wagner added 24 digs.