The Butler Grizzlies maintained their two-game winning streak as they defeated the Dodge City Conquistadors on Wednesday, Oct. 16. A necessary win brought their overall record back to .500 (14-14): a clear domination (3-1) every set except for the second one (25-15, 21-25, 25-15 and 25-15).
Sophomore outside hitter Sarah Sullivan had a great game, totalizing 17 kills with a stellar .405 hitting percentage. The Conquistadors totally dominated the first set, a series of vicious plays by the Grizzlies clearly established their superiority. The set ended at 25-15.
In the second set Dodge City came alive as they showed real aggressivity in the first couple of possessions with astonishing kills by Agnes Hegardt. A few mistakes on the Grizzlies' side led to this. They fought hard, but it was not enough, ending 21-25.
In the third set, Butler took control again, thanks to big contributions from freshman middle blocker Sophia Neihouse, who tallied 10 kills and hit .429. Ryann Hamilton’s defensive plays at the net helped Butler secure a 25-15 win, as Dodge City struggled to find their groove.
The fourth set was tight at first, but Butler pulled away for another 25-15 win to seal the match. Sophomore outside hitter Avery DeLong came through with 10 kills and a couple of aces. Dodge City’s efforts, led by Azra Arslanoglu and Tess De Zanet, just weren’t enough to keep up with Butler’s momentum.
This was a much-needed win as it improved their record to .500. They’ll be looking to build on this momentum, with flashes of brilliance through the game. However, they had an underperforming sequence in the second, which resembles the Grizzlies’ season, moments when greatness is displayed and then the complete opposite. The Grizzlies will need to stay consistent for the remainder of the schedule. The Grizzlies cannot lose their next game risking being back under .500, a losing record, so it’s a must win.
The Grizzlies will take on Cloud County in their last home game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.