Eagles Defeat Calvary, Ozark, Move to 7-2

The Faith volleyball team traveled to Missouri this past weekend for a pair of MCC conference matches against Calvary University and Ozark Christian College. The Eagles met the challenge by sweeping both teams. 

Faith entered play against a Calvary University team playing well and ranked #6 in the NCCAA. The Warriors are coached by one of coach Nihart's former players, All-American JoJo Wilkes.  "Jo has her team playing at a high level early in the season. They had already shown resilience and cohesiveness by winning two 5 game sets. We anticipated the need to be ready to compete for the full match," remarked coach Nihart. 

The Warriors took set one by the score of 25-23 with key plays late in the set. Set two found another back-and-forth affair with Faith being able to pull out a late 27-25 win behind kills from Sadie Long and Rachel Forgie. As the game of volleyball goes with momentum swings, the Eagles were able to build a large 17-8 lead in set 3 largely due to Calvary miscues.  "If you have been around the game of volleyball for any length of time you know momentum swings can happen in big moments. We were very fortunate to capture a close set 2 and have the momentum swing our way," noted Nihart.   

It was Calvary who regained momentum in the fourth set, as Faith trailed for much of set 4. The Eagles gained a 22-20 lead behind strategic kills from captain Audrey Glandon and a timely block by Belle Wirges to seal the 25-22 win and match.  Faith was led offensively by freshman Cody Wirges with 17 kills on a 29% attack and 23 kills. Rachel Forgie added 13 kills, 13 digs, and contributed to 4 blocks.  Belle Wirges led the Eagles defensively with 35 digs. Faith outhit the Warriors 17.9% to 8%, in digs 137-107, and blocking 15-13.

On Saturday the Eagles traveled to Joplin, Missouri to take on the Ambassadors of Ozark Christian College. A win would move the Eagles into second place in the conference early in the season. Faith started off well in set 1 winning 25-16.  The Eagles continued their momentum from that set 1 win, moving forward with wins of 25-20 and 25-22. Faith was led by captain Rachel Forgie with 14 kills on 24.7% hitting and freshman Codie Wirges with 7 kills. Junior libero Maddie Hodak led defensively with 17 digs. 

The win now propels Faith to 7-2 on the year and 3-1 in MCCC play.  The early season success has earned the Eagles a #6 ranking in the latest NCCAA Top 10 poll.  

The Eagles will host 4 other teams in the upcoming Faith Classic tournament on September 22 and 23.  Faith will play Trinity Bible College at 2 PM and rival Maranatha University at 8 PM on Friday. Saturday will find Faith playing Randall University at 1 PM and finish by taking on region foe North Central University at 5 PM.