After winning two close sets, the Baker University volleyball team used its momentum in the third to sweep Graceland University in the Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament semifinal Wednesday in Collins Center.
The Wildcats fell behind early in the opening set, but managed to crawl their way back from a 18-11 deficit to claim the 29-27 victory.
In the second set, neither team allowed more than a three-point lead, but the ’Cats powered through the final points to win 25-22.
Baker never let Graceland see the lead in the third set, and the ’Cats cruised to defeat the Yellow Jackets 25-19.
Head coach Kathy Allen said close games like the second set are “extremely nerve-racking,” but she has confidence in her team’s ability to battle back and not give up.
“My team seems to be able to stay composed and they are able to come from behind better than any team I’ve ever coached,” Allen said.
To reach the semifinal game, the top-seeded ’Cats cruised past the No. 8 seed Avila University in the opening round of the tournament 25-18, 25-14 and 25-17.
Sophomore Jasmyn Turner, junior Savannah Smith and senior Christina Delladio each had 10 kills to lead the ’Cats. Junior Jana Boss added 36 assists, while senior Brooke Allen led the defense with eight digs.
The Wildcats are favored to win the tournament and have their sights set on the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.
However, the team has been able to stay composed and focus on one game at a time.
“We never really take anybody for granted,” Smith said. “Especially in playoffs because that gives everybody a little more fire to beat each other.”
Baker has only one opponent standing in the way of a national tournament appearance, MidAmerica Nazarene University.
The ’Cats defeated MidAmerica Nazarene Oct. 18 in Collins Center 25-22, 27-25, 22-25, 25-23, and handed the Pioneers their only conference loss.
Allen said the championship matchup “is going to be a battle.”
“Both teams are well matched,” Allen said. “The last time we played them it was a battle and this time it will be battle.”
The Wildcats are confident in each other and will use their momentum powered by a 15-game winning streak to help them prepare for MidAmerica Nazarene.
“I think we are going to have to bring a lot of energy and excitement to the games,” Boss said “Along with being focused and ready to play.”
The conference championship match is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Collins Center.