Mackenzie Thomas – Staff Writer
The Wyoming Cowgirls returned to their home court for their third victory this weekend against the University of Northern Colorado Bears. This game was the most intense game of the weekend, but the Cowgirls fought hard until the very end proving their tenacity once more.
This game followed the Cowgirls’ previous two victories on Friday. Wyoming dominated in the match against both the Charleston Cougars and the Buffalo Bulls in three sets each. However, the bar was raised for the match against UNC.
Coach Callihan had predicted the match against UNC to be high-level. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said before Saturday’s match against the Bears.
With a total of 66 kills, 12 blocks, and 6 ace serves, the Cowgirls put up an intense fight against the Bears. The game ended up going to five sets as the Cowgirls refused to give up.
Though the Cowgirls struggled with the first two sets of the game, losing set one 22-25 and set two 18-25, they never gave up. Coach Callihan credited part of his team’s success to the subs brought in for the third set.
“A couple of substitutions there in set three, and some scheme changes, and then things started to go our way” Coach Callihan recalled while discussing what shifted in the Cowgirls’ favor.
Junior Outside Hitter Halie Mcardle was one of the key players in the match after she was subbed in during set 2. Mcardle had a total of 18 kills with 2 blocks, both of which significantly impacted the course of the game.
Alongside Mcardle, KC McMahon had 16 kills, which helped push the Cowgirls to victory. Jackie McBride had a total of 12 kills and 7 blocks which carried the Wyoming defense. McBride also had two ace serves which led to the victory of her team.
“I thought by the end of the match we looked really comfortable and playing Wyoming volleyball again.” Coach Callihan stated that as the game continued, the Cowgirls began to play better and were able to come together to win the match against the Bears.
Tensions were clear amongst the teams as set three began. The Bears and the Cowgirls traded points for the first half of the set, tying multiple times as both teams fought for the win. Mcardle was a key player in set three as she dominated the Bears with multiple back to back kills, allowing the Cowgirls to take the lead.
Freshman outside hitter Hailey Zuroske brought the third set to match point with a kill. Kiahlei Yaste was able to get the much needed point for the set point for the Cowgirls with an ace serve, bringing the score to 25-23.
The fourth set was off to a fiery set as both McBride and Mcardle had kills within the first five points. As the set continued, McMahon was able to get back-to-back kills which put Wyoming in the lead.
The Wyoming Cowgirls swept the UniWyo Tournament this weekend.
