WOOSTER, Ohio - No one could slow down The College of Wooster volleyball team this weekend, as the Fighting Scots steamrolled through 12 consecutive sets on their way to a perfect 4-0 mark at their annual Kilt Classic at Timken Gymnasium.
In a series of dominant performances, the Scots (8-6) proved to be too much for their opponents, and their offense got solid contributions from several sources. Erin Webster led the way with 35 kills, including a 13-kill effort against Capital University, and was named the tournament MVP.
Wooster got the tournament started with a decisive 25-9, 25-14, 25-16 triumph over La Roche College. Paige Parker was the spark plug in the match, as she delivered six services aces and nine kills to set the tone.
Then in Friday's nightcap, the Scots got past Capital (25-13, 25-17, 25-21) despite some resistance at times. In the opening set, Wooster got behind 6-3, but Margaret Raabe served 10 straight points to give it a 13-6 lead. Later in the third set, the score was knotted 12-12, when Sarah Hawke smashed down two-straight kills, including one that ended a seemingly endless volley, giving Wooster the momentum it needed to close out the win.
Westminster College gave Wooster its biggest challenge, keeping both the second and third sets competitive until the end. Kelley Johnson and Raabe provided several memorable moments in the match by chasing down balls that appeared well out of reach and keeping them in play, fueling the Scots' 25-14, 25-21, 25-21 victory.
In the final game Saturday afternoon, Wooster made quick work of Defiance College (25-20, 25-15, 25-17), behind Erica Skillman's solid performance. Skillman delivered six kills and an error (.357), which looked a lot like her statistical lines all weekend, as the first-year had 22 kills and just three errors during her 11 sets on the court.
Also chipping in during the tournament was Lizzi Beal (95 assists) and Melissa Morgan (13 total blocks), while Hawke recorded 27 kills and joined Webster as an all-tournament team selection.
The Scots will look to build on their momentum Tuesday evening when they host Case Western Reserve University (8-3) for the second time this season at 7 p.m.