Emily Clark

The Master’s University volleyball team beat Menlo College in four sets (25-23, 12-25, 25-23, 25-17) Friday night on Bross Court.

With the win, TMU’s record improved to 15-9 overall and 7-2 in Golden State Athletic Conference play.

“We knew coming into this match that Menlo was going to bring a battle to our door,” commented TMU head coach Allen Vince. “Our primary focus tonight was to stay consistent when point scoring, to be pinpointed with our serving, and to pick up any and all balls that hit off of our defense. The girls responded well to the game plan, and played solid volleyball to get the win.”

The Lady Mustangs opened the evening by edging the Oaks 25-23 in the first set. Menlo found new life in the second frame by silencing TMU 25-12. TMU battled its way through the third stanza by posting another 25-23 victory. Finally, a competitive fourth set ended with a 25-17 Lady Mustang victory.

Kayla Sims (Anchorage, AK) posted 42 assists, Emily Clark (Lake Forrest, CA) anchored the Lady Mustangs’ defense with 19 digs, while Aubrey Pyburn (Sun Valley, CA) led TMU’s assault with 16 kills. Notably, TMU’s Maryah Richberg (Santa Clarita, CA) posted 12 kills, while Sims chipped in 10 digs.

As a team, TMU claimed 64 digs, 56 kills, 52 assists, six total team blocks, and a .208 attack percentage.

“We have a hefty goal to win out this season,” further commented Vince. “This goal starts with matches like the one we just played against Menlo.”

Tomorrow, the Lady Mustangs host William Jessup University at 4:00 p.m. on Bross Court. The last time the two teams met (Sept. 10), the Warriors stunned TMU with a five-set victory (17-25, 25-21, 25-22, 13-25, 15-13).