Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Toledo
@HerdVolleyball Wins Toledo/ASICS Invitational with Sweep over Toledo
9/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TOLEDO, Ohio - Marshall volleyball won the Toledo/ASICS Invitational and earned its fourth consecutive sweep on Saturday against the Toledo Rockets (25-19, 25-17, 25-16). The Herd improves to 8-3 overall this season, while Toledo moves to 6-3.
The Thundering Herd earned its first tournament championship of the 2016 season by winning in three sets against Fort Wayne, Saint Francis and Toledo. Senior Ally Kiekover and junior Kayla Simmons were named to the All-Tournament team, while Jac'cara Walker was named tournament most valuable player. Walker finished the tournament with 36 kills, 16 digs, five aces and five blocks. Simmons had a team-high 69 assists and Kiekover finished with five blocks, 14 kills and a .379 hitting percentage.
Marshall started the first set off by surrendering six of the first eight points. Shortly after the slow start the Herd caught fire and took seven of the next eight, to take a 9-7 lead midway through the set. After a Toledo timeout the first set went back and forth until the Herd took three consecutive points forcing Toledo to call a timeout. With the set hanging in the balance at 20-17, the Herd took control of the set and rattled off five points in the last seven to take the set.
The Herd had a quick start to the second set as they took a three-point lead right out of the gate. Shortly after the Herd was on its heels as Toledo went on a fantastic run, taking an 8-4 lead over the Herd, forcing head coach Mitch Jacobs to call a timeout and regroup. After the timeout the game evened out, until the Herd finally broke through with a five-point run to take a 17-13 lead. Walker put the set to rest with two final service aces, capping off a 25-17 second set.
The start of the third set was again dominated by The Thundering Herd as it took the first six points. The Rockets regrouped after calling a timeout, although the Herd never lost control or the lead of the third set. The Herd rattled off four straight points midway through the second set to take an 18-11 lead over Toledo. The Herd once again closed out their opponent by taking seven of the last ten points to cap off a dominating 25-16 third set.
Walker finished the match with a team-high 15 kills. Leading the way in assists was Madelyn Cole with 20, while Simmons had 17. Defensively, Allie Kellerman had 11 digs and Walker had three blocks.
COACH'S CORNER
Quotes by head coach Mitch Jacobs
On the matchââ'¬Â¦
"We were able to win the serve and pass battle. We served very well and after the first six points of sets one and two. Our ball control allowed our setters to work the offense efficiently. Our big key to this match was to stay patient and I thought that as a whole, our group did a great job not allowing their Libero, who can control a match, have us trying to get outside ourselves. I'm very proud for the patience we showed. Madison Hill continues to develop on the block as well as score for us very efficiently."
On the tournamentââ'¬Â¦
"Great weekend play by the entire team. Everyone that played, played very well. We were able to run with a couple different looks and the players on the floor in every set played their hardest. It's fun to see everyone supporting each other and being there to pick up someone if they aren't in rhythm for the moment."
On Jac'cara Walker and Cassie Weaver's playââ'¬Â¦
Jac'cara was a workhorse and deserved the tourney MVP. I would say that going into the final match her and Cassie Weaver were neck in neck as Cassie played beautifully on Friday. But that's what we need to be able to do. Kassidy Lemons came in and was able to pick up a teammate that had been playing awesome but struggled for a little bit. I look for Weaver to come back strong Wednesday against Stetson for sure.
On the Herd's 12 straight set winsââ'¬Â¦
"I'm very proud of our tourney win and to stay so mentally tough to win 12 straight sets was wonderful to watch. "
#STAMPEDE16
For all the latest information about Marshall volleyball, follow @HerdVolleyball on Twitter and Marshall University Volleyball on Facebook.
UP NEXT
Marshall heads to Florida for a midweek matchup against Stetson on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. The Herd will also compete at the 2016 Active Ankle Challenge from Sept. 16 to Sept. 17 in Gainesville, Fla., against Jacksonville, Florida A&M and No. 8 Florida.
