WINONA, Minn. – A determined Winona State University Warrior squad returned to its home court on Friday night and quickly washed away the lingering taste of a four-match losing streak with a straight set victory of Minnesota Crookston.
Senior Taylor Goar stepped up to lead the resurgence with a match-high 14 kills.
With the postseason less than three weeks away, Winona State improves to 10-13 (7-8 NSIC) with the much-needed win while sending the Golden Eagles to a mark of 4-19 (2-13 NSIC).
It was clear from set one that the Warriors meant business as they cruised to a 25-13 win and followed it with set wins of 25-19 and 25-19 to complete the sweep.
Winona State produced a total team effort in the triumph with contributions up and down the lineup, possibly in an attempt to shake things up on their side of the net. Ten different Warriors recorded at least one kill while a total of 10 also collected at least one dig.
After a decisive win in set one, Crookston played the Warriors much tougher in game two. A pair of kills by Goar coupled with two Golden Eagle errors staked WSU to a 21-14 lead late. Crookston pulled to within four points at 22-18 before a Bre Maloney kill halted the mini-run. Maloney finished the match with eight kills while dishing out 30 assists.
One of those assists followed her kill late in set two as Paige Christopher hammered a kill to bring set point. The Warriors claimed the set on the next volley compliments of a Crookston attacking error.
Christopher, a freshman who also seems to leave a dent in the ball, also had a booming ace in game two as five different Warriors dropped an ace on the Golden Eagles on the night.
Goar took over in the third and final set as she appeared to pick up steam as the match went on. The veteran led the way with six kills in the game, including a number of screamers at Golden Eagle defenders who never stood a chance. Collectively, Winona State saved its best for last with a .314 team hitting percentage in the finale.
Freshman Kaleigh Beehler entered in the final set and was right behind Goar with five kills of her own for a new career high. Goar also led the defense with 14 digs while Sarah Suits added eight from the back row.
The Warriors will look for a repeat performance on Saturday evening when they host Bemidji State in McCown Gymnasium at 4 p.m. to conclude the homestand.
