Box Score
If
Jim Giacomazzi was concerned about his team showing signs of rust as they came off a nine-day lay-off, it was needless worry.
The Pioneer volleyball team cruised over Mid-America Christian University in their Sooner Athletic Conference opener on Friday night in Hutcherson Center, winning 25-14, 25-16, 25-16.
"We've been working on some things and trying to execute them in game situations, and tonight it was encouraging," Giacomazzi said. "People are starting to get the fact that we have to move faster at the college level. We have so many new people to the team, but they're starting to feel more comfortable with everyone around them."
In claiming their third straight victory and second consecutive sweep, Wayland (7-2, 1-0 SAC) rarely found itself behind the Lady Evangels (1-5, 0-1), and never by more than two points.
"We did what we needed to do to be successful," Giacomazzi said.
The Pioneers hit .316 for the match, with reigning SAC Attacker of the Week
Megan Sharratt leading the way with 14 kills (.520).
Mallorie Ellis added 11 smashes (.267) while
Kellie Kozak (.455) and
Amber Daniel five each.
Jordan Breding dug a match-high 17 balls while Ellis got 14.
Elisabeth Piroli ended with all but three of Wayland's three assists, and the Pioneers logged eight block-assists, including two each by Kozak, Sharratt and Piroli.
Lindsey Schwab had half of WBU's six assists, followed by
Amber Daniel with two.
"It takes a lot of work for Elisabeth to connect with everybody (as a setter), but we're finding more opportunities to be successful every day," Giacomazzi said.
MACU hit .028, with Laura Church getting 11 kills and hitting .231.
"We're getting better every time we play," Giacomazzi said. "As the quality of competition within the conference gets better, I'm interested to see how we're going to match up. As we get pushed, are we going to stay focused long enough to excel?"
The Pioneers are back at the Hutch at 11 a.m. Saturday to host Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-4, 0-1). The Drovers, who lost to newcomer Panhandle State in their conference opener last Saturday, are coming off their first win over Jarvis Christian in five also last Saturday.
