Paul Quinn College Dominates Williams Baptist with 3-0 Victory
Paul Quinn College continued their strong start to the 2024 volleyball season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Williams Baptist (AR) on Saturday, sweeping the match with set scores of 25-11, 25-19, and 25-17.
From the outset, Paul Quinn showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball. A'Niyah Harrison led the offensive charge with an impressive 10 kills on 25 attempts, hitting at a .280 clip. Her efforts were supported by Laila Beck, who contributed 8 kills on 23 attempts with a .217 hitting percentage. The duo combined for 24 of the team's 34 kills, keeping Williams Baptist's defense on their heels throughout the match.
Paul Quinn's attacking efficiency improved as the match progressed. The team hit .167 in the first set, followed by .206 in the second, and peaked at .242 in the final set, highlighting their ability to adjust and execute under pressure.
In addition to their offensive prowess, Paul Quinn's serving played a pivotal role in their victory. The team recorded 8 service aces, with Laila Beck leading the way with 3 aces. Zya Johnson, Harrison, Ashley Sanchez, and Teasia Cooks each contributed an ace as well, putting constant pressure on Williams Baptist's serve receive.
Defensively, Paul Quinn held strong, limiting Williams Baptist to a negative hitting percentage of -.027 for the match. The Tigers' front line was particularly effective, with Miya Harper and Brittany Brown-Riddick combining for 3 blocks. Meanwhile, Ashley Sanchez anchored the back row with a team-high 12 digs, ensuring that Williams Baptist struggled to find any rhythm.
For Williams Baptist, the match was a tough outing. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to overcome Paul Quinn's relentless attack and solid defense. Tinleigh Ruhman and Jayla Weddington led their team with 4 kills each, but overall, the team's hitting percentage of -.027 reflected their struggles to penetrate Paul Quinn's defense.
Paul Quinn improves to 1-0 on the season, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in the league. With this performance, the Tigers have set a strong foundation for the rest of the season, and their upcoming opponents will certainly be on alert.
Williams Baptist, now 0-2, will look to regroup and bounce back in their next matchup. Despite the loss, the team showed moments of promise, particularly in the second set, and will aim to build on those positives moving forward.
Paul Quinn's next match will be a true test of their early-season form as they continue their quest for dominance.