College volleyball has entered a new era in the United States. With exemplary performances all around and record-breaking audience attendance, the sport is gaining popularity like never before. In the middle of all this excitement stands an Ivy League college whose women’s volleyball team has done the unthinkable this NCAA season.
Stanford University’s women’s volleyball team has been a permanent fixture on the leaderboard. Last year, they were the No.2 ranked team in the country, but they had a rough awakening this season when they fell one rank from their initial position on the roster. Following this setback, the athletes entered the court each time, ready to fight tooth and nail for the victory.
With that level of rage and determination, the team has managed to win 29 matches consecutively. Their latest battle against Arizona put the fear of god into the opponents and spectators alike.
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Stanford volleyball’s winning streak against Arizona
Stanford University’s volleyball team traveled to Arizona to tackle the home team and extend their winning streak. They had won three matches against Arizona back to back since last year.
In the crowded McKale Center and amidst the chants of support for the Arizona team, the Stanford players conjured a mighty display of skills and teamwork. The result of this battle was a resounding victory for the Stanford team. Stanford University proudly published the results of the team’s exploits, who won by 25-23, 25-17, and 25-22.
Stanford recorded a hit of .340 as a team as opposed to their rival’s .188. Although it was a team effort that brought the 44 kills, 36 digs, 6 aces, and 6.0 blocks, four players in particular stood out.
The first athlete that deserves special mention is the opposite Kendall Kipp. Bearing the number 10 on her jersey, she led the charge against Arizona and put 14 kills and 4 blocks on the scoreboard. Next, outside hitter Elia Rubin provided the much-appreciated assist and scored 11 individual kills.
McKenna Vicini contributed 7 kills to the team’s leadership. She is a redshirt senior and, as the middle blocker, performed impressively with the exception of one error. Finally, the Cardinal outside hitter Caitie Baird, also a redshirt senior, put 7 kills to the scoreboard. Although these four players deserve praise, without the help of the rest of the team, their individual performances would not have been possible.
Standout performances propel Cardinal’s Pac-12 dominance
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The whole team is to be congratulated for their superb performance. Without the timely blocks, the offense would have found it difficult to register those 44 kills. The middle blocks, like Sami Francis, not only defended the team but also scored 2 kills of her own.
Kami Miner, the team’s setter, dished out justice with 37 assists and 5 digs. The team had two new faces, Kelly Belardi and Jordyn Harvey, who subbed for the setter and opposite positions at the last minute. Despite being new to the team, they gelled with the others and helped to accentuate their plays.
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The team is currently staying in Arizona, preparing for the next match against the home team. Their next showdown is going to be on October 29, when these rising stars of volleyball will once again try to deliver a repeat performance. Will the Cardinals extend their consecutive wins against Arizona to five matches?
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