Knights' Volleyball Faces Long-Time Rivals 

Summary: 

The volleyball tailgate came only a couple of days before this match and guaranteed excitement from the Spurgeon fans, especially against well-acknowledged rivals. The Knights had already faced Manhattan once this season and were eager to test themselves again. Unfortunately, Manhattan took the win in three sets, but not without resistance on the part of the Knights. 

How it Happened: 

• The first set opened with the Knights' seizing control, securing a kill (AJ Adrian) and a service ace (Timry Goodman). Manhattan caught up quickly and surpassed the Knights, but the Knights stayed right on them. For a while, the points shifted back and forth, both teams fighting hard. Then Manhattan gained the ball and surged forward, winning the set.  

• The Knights were demoralized as the second set began. Manhattan took the lead, but the Knights began to rally themselves, calling encouragement to each other. The Knights caught back up at the 9th point, making the fans cheer wildly. Yet, Manhattan pulled forward and won the second game.  

• In the third set, the Knights took the lead after a Manhattan error, landing two kills (Janie Wilson and Timry Goodman) in quick succession. The teams were neck to neck, inching forward one point at a time. Then Manhattan again broke the tie and took several points in a row. The Knights, now prepared for this pattern, worked hard. They did not surpass their opponents but stayed on top of them, never giving Manhattan a moment to slow. Though Manhattan won, the Knights remained determined and dedicated to finishing the match well, and so they did—their last point came by a beautiful block from Hannah Hudson and Timry Goodman.  

Highlights: 

• As in the previous match, the Knights had to maintain a vigilant line of defense, and the stats showed their efforts. Three players had significant digs—Janie Wilson had 6, Josephine Dull with 5, and Goodman with 4. 

• Timry Goodman, as the Kights' setter, always leads in assists, but in this match, she led in two other stats. She had 2 service aces and 4 blocks. She contributed to the number of kills and digs, showing her flexibility and centrality to the team. 

• Lizzie Deaton led in number of kills, as usual, but the match was far more defense-heavy than most of the Knights' matches.  

• Manhattan is a respected rival for a reason, but the Knights expect great things for their next match next season! 

Up Next:  

The Knights won against Kansas Christian College on the 24th. This game was also Senior Night and a fond farewell to the first Spurgeon Volleyball coach, Evie Stanton. The Knights had one more following home game against Calvary University, then went on to regionals, where two Spurgeon players were awarded for their skill—Lizzie Deaton and Timry Goodman. More on these events to follow!