Mustangs Rally Past Statesmen in Four Set Victory

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Mount Mercy women's volleyball team improved to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play with a 3-1 victory over William Penn on Tuesday night at Hennessey Recreation Center. The Mustangs dropped the opening set 26-24 but responded with three consecutive set wins, 27-25, 25-18, 25-12.

William Penn (13-7, 3-2 Heart) forced Mount Mercy into 10 attack errors in the first set. The Statesmen used a late 5-1 run to close out the frame. Despite the setback, the Mustangs regrouped in the second set, overcoming a late deficit to tie the match.

Mount Mercy's offense settled in behind outside hitter Mary Kate Bendlage, who recorded a match-high 15 kills on 44 attempts while adding 22 digs. Hallie Bedier and Sam Schrage provided balance at the net, finishing with 10 and seven kills, respectively. Schrage contributed on both sides of the ball, recording two service aces and four total blocks.

The second set was marked by extended rallies and multiple lead changes. Trailing 24-22, Mount Mercy erased two set points and ultimately claimed the frame 27-25 on a kill from Bedier and an attack error by William Penn's Hailee Pesek.

Momentum carried into the third set as the Mustangs' block slowed William Penn's offense. Mount Mercy registered 15 kills in the set, with Schrage and Bella Dantzler combining for six kills during a decisive mid-set run. The Mustangs closed the set with back-to-back points from Ellie Gerdes and Bendlage.

The fourth set displayed Mount Mercy's most efficient hitting of the night, posting a .375 attack percentage. Bendlage, Dantzler, and Bedier produced early kills to build a 10-5 advantage. Service pressure from Brooke Ellyson, who totaled four aces in the match, extended the lead. Eryn Jackson sealed the victory with consecutive aces and a pair of late assists to Bedier.

Overall, the Mustangs hit .154 as a team with 53 kills and 24 errors on 188 attempts. Setters Maddie Marquardt and Delaney Rhoden directed the offense with 20 and 21 assists, respectively. Rhoden also added eight digs.

Defensively, Mount Mercy limited William Penn to a .078 attack percentage. The Mustangs compiled 96 digs, led by Bendlage (22), Brooklyn Miller (14), and Jackson (13). At the net, Schrage and Bedier accounted for four total blocks, while the back row converted multiple extended rallies into transition points.

William Penn was paced by Pesek's 12 kills, but she was held to a .171 hitting percentage. Maju Vieira finished with nine kills but committed nine errors, while Emilie Bojorquez-McFadden and Khiani Jackson added six and eight kills, respectively. The Statesmen posted six service aces but committed 30 attack errors.

Mount Mercy continues Heart of America play Friday, Sept. 19, when the Mustangs host Culver-Stockton at Hennessey Recreation Center. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Match Leaders – Mount Mercy

• Kills: Bendlage, 15; Bedier, 10; Schrage, 7

• Assists: Rhoden, 21; Marquardt, 20

• Digs: Bendlage, 22; Miller, 14; Jackson, 13

• Aces: Ellyson, 4; Schrage, 2; Jackson, 2

Match Leaders – William Penn

• Kills: Pesek, 12; Vieira, 9; Jackson, 8

• Assists: Brady, 24; McWilliams, 13

• Digs: Caprini, 34; Martinez, 3; Pesek, 3