Fullerton, CA – The Hope International Women's Volleyball Team (11-12, 5-8 GSAC) clinched a victory against Arizona Christian University's Firestorm (14-16, 2-10 GSAC) in a five-set showdown on Senior Night.
The match began with a bang as the Royals took an early lead, powered by Cassidy Koffroth's two service aces, along with a block and a kill from Rachel Holmberg. The Firestorm, however, fought back valiantly, with Nikole Lunsford leading a surge that kept the set competitive. Despite the Firestorm's efforts, the Royals went on a five-point run, with significant contributions from Alysha Colladay and Rachael Street. After a late push from the Firestorm, highlighted by kills from Sydney Brown and Krysta Peterson, the Royals sealed the first set with a final attack error from Arizona Christian.
Both teams entered the second set with high energy, trading points evenly for much of the way. Key kills from Cassidy Koffroth and service aces from Addie Mathias kept the Royals close. A timeout aimed at regaining momentum backfired as the Firestorm surged ahead with a 5-0 run, eventually winning the set 25-22 and leveling the match at 1-1.
The Firestorm continued their aggressive play in the third set, jumping out to a 4-0 lead. The Royals responded by bringing in Annie Nugent, whose energy sparked a comeback. After trailing 13-9, the Royals rallied with a 7-0 run, highlighted by Addie Mathias's powerful kills. The set came down to a nail-biting finish, with Rachael Street and Kat Schwab delivering crucial points to give the Royals the set 25-27 and a 2-1 match lead.
Entering the fourth the Royals found themselves challenged as the Firestorm pressed hard. Despite the Royals' efforts and multiple timeouts called by Coach Hofman, Arizona Christian capitalized on unforced errors, pulling away to win the set 25-17 and push the match to a decisive fifth set.
The break between sets rejuvenated the Royals. They capitalized on early Firestorm mistakes and quickly gained momentum with kills from Cassidy Koffroth and Addie Mathias. Maintaining their lead, the Royals closed out the set and the match with a strong performance, winning 15-12, 3-2
With this victory, the Royals look to continue their conclude GSAC play as they prepare to face Embry-Riddle in Prescott, AZ, on Friday, November 8th, at 6:00 PM.
