CANYON, Texas - West Virginia State fell to Ferris State (3-0) in straight sets on Saturday morning, struggling to keep pace with the Bulldogs' consistent play. The Yellow Jackets (0-3) were defeated 25-18, 26-24, 25-21. State struggled offensively, hitting just .088 for the match and .815 from the service line.
Maureen Mathews led the Yellow Jackets attack with 13 of their 30 kills.
Kiersten Eggleton and
Emma Pomaret split the setting duties with Eggleton helping on 14 kills and Pomaret setting 11 assists.
Milla Smith started the second set at the libero position and amassed 12 digs, while defensive specialist
McKenna Wiseman dug 11 attacks.
West Virginia State came out strong in the opening set, with outside hitter
Hannah Steele leading the charge early. Despite several service errors that gave Ferris State a small edge, Steele's kills and a block from
Kennedy Stewart kept the Yellow Jackets competitive. However, unforced errors in the latter half of the set allowed Ferris State to pull away, taking the set 25-18.
The second set proved to be the most competitive, as WVSU fought hard to stay in the game. After trailing 19-12, the Yellow Jackets mounted a comeback led by Steele and Mathews's powerful swings. A successful challenge from head coach Avery Moore reversed a critical point that would've ended the set in favor of the Bulldogs at 25-21 and gave WVSU a chance to steal momentum. Unfortunately, Ferris State eked out the final two points to claim the set 26-24, but the Yellow Jackets made it clear they wouldn't go down without a fight.
In the third set, West Virginia State continued to push Ferris State. The Bulldogs never got further than four points away from State. Steele's late-set kills brought WVSU within striking distance at 21-19 with another successful Moore challenge on a WVSU service ace originally ruled out, but Ferris State's tough attack and consistent play allowed them to edge out the final points, taking the set 25-21 and sealing the match.
State has a quick turnaround, playing at 4:00 pm today against No. 5 West Texas A&M in the BritKare Lady Buff Classic finale.
