Sluggish Start Ends In Pioneer 3 Set Victory

Sluggish Start Ends in Pioneer 3 Set Victory- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 8/29/23

The Pioneers of Crowley's Ridge College hosted the Mustangs of Central Baptist College earlier this evening in their 4th match of the year. The Pioneers, coming off  2 thrilling come-from behind wins over last weekend, looked to increase their win streak to three on their home court. The Pioneers faced a tough road this evening as they did not have head coach Carissa Winn on the sideline. In her absence, volunteer coach Jason Elms led the troops to battle. Elms has had success in the past at CRC with his leadership in the NBCAA 1999 National Tournament Championship for the Pioneers. Elms proved himself after the Mustangs took the opening two sets with relative ease. Elms assisted the Pioneers, as they ground themselves to rally back and win three straight. Sets went as follows (21-25) CBC, (15-25) CBC, (25-13) CRC, (26-24) CRC, and (15-12) CRC. 

Paragould, Ark. The Pioneers grabbed the evening's opening point as Emi Elms met the Mustangs opening attack at the net, sending it back to where it came. Not long after, CRC abruptly found themselves playing catch-up as Jillian Glasgow's quick dump pass, catching the Mustangs off guard just a few moments later, retook the Pioneer lead for the last time. CRC continually chased the Mustangs, even busting out a late 5-2 run to come within 3 of CBC but  eventually fell 25-21. 

In set two the Pioneers would not help their cause as the home team seemed to suffer in the communication department. CRC hurt themselves allowing the Mustangs to capitalize on their side of the scoreboard with freebies CRC handed out. Hannah Halverson would serve up an ace to cut the deficit to 11-14 but a thunderous attack from the Mustang offense took care of the rest as they cruised to a 25-15 win over CRC.   

Like the season trend so far, the Pioneers would wait until set 3 to come alive. With their backs against the wall, CRC gave an adrenaline boost to the crowd by busting out a 8-0 run with Hannah Halverson behind the service line. In fact, CRC would score 14 of their 25 points in set 3 with Halverson serving. CBC attempted to gather their thoughts but a second offensive wave added to the Pioneer lead as they climbed out of reach, easily defeating the Mustangs 25-13.

Set 4 the Mustangs witnessed a continuation attack from CRC as Paige Glenn landed a kill set by Jillian Glasgow giving CRC a 10-5 lead and forcing a CBC timeout. As the break ended and play resumed CBC would soon burn their second and final timeout of the set, seeing themselves now down 17-10. The Pioneers would tack on 2 more points to lead it 19-10 before the set became threatened by a huge Mustang Stampede. Pioneer fans held their breath as CBC won the next 14 of 19 points, making things even at 24-24. Luckily the Mustangs fell short with a service and an attack error giving the set to CRC, 26-24. 

With the comeback almost complete CRC headed to set 5 to close the door. The Pioneers split the first 6 rallies with the Mustangs and  took control for the final time as Heather Conaway led the Pioneers on a 3 point run, taking a 6-3 advantage. The Mustangs did rally a 4 point effort cutting it close but CRC would see the victory flag as the Mustangs attack landed out of bounds giving CRC their 3rd straight home win, with a 15-12 set 5 win. 

Emi Elms led the Pioneers in kills with (8). Elms also added (7) blocks( 4 solo).  Jadyn Hesse led in assists with (15). Kinley Matlock led in digs with (27). Hannah Halverson added (20) digs and (4) service aces. Jillian Glasgow was the team's lone double double producer as she had (13) assists and (12 ) digs on the evening. 

Up Next: CRC hits the road as they travel to take on Mississippi University for Women on Thursday, August 31st. 

#GOPIONEERS