The Baker University volleyball team breezed by MidAmerica Nazarene University in the first round of the HAAC playoffs Saturday in Collins Center.

In three close games, the Wildcats grabbed their second straight win over the Pioneers 27-25, 25-17 and 26-24. After a rattling game one, sophomore Brooke Allen said the Wildcats were a little uptight, especially since it was the first time for many players to participate in the playoffs.

“I think the team did a good job of coming together and getting each other calm,” Allen said. “Our captains did a good job of calming us down because a lot of our players were playing in their first playoff experience.”

The Baker offense overpowered MidAmerica in kills, 45-32, with help from junior Brooke Pryor, who led the team with 18. Junior Christina Delladio added 11 and freshman Jana Boss dished out 40 assists. Brooke Allen led the defense with 11 digs.

The victory advanced BU into the semi-final round Wednesday. Baker will take on the four seed Evangel University at 7 p.m. in Collins Center. The Wildcats previously defeated Evangel earlier in the season 3-0, but the game scores were very close. Allen said the ‘Cats’ recipe for victory includes playing to their full potential.

“We have to focus on playing our game,” she said. “Earlier in the season we beat Evangel playing our game. We need to take control of the pace of the game and I think we’ll be just fine.”