(HONOLULU, HI) -- Minot State could not come out with a win against two strong opponents today on the final day of the Hawai'i Challenge.
Senior Shelby Spuller (9) and freshman Amarrie Welton (6) led the team in kills while Mackenzie Froehlich was the team leader in assists with 25 against Chaminade University.
The Silverswords are coming off a strong 2018 season where they went 23-6, and 17-5 in Pacific West Conference play and tied for third in conference standings. Their successful season was their best since 2007, and they were selected second in the preseason poll for the 2019 year.
In the first set, Chaminade University went on an 11-0 run against the Beavers led by freshman setter Alecza Abary who contributed four service aces during the run. Following their run, the Beavers tried to create momentum after the scoring spree, but it was not enough to come back, resulting in the 25-14 score.
Chaminade University won the second the set 25-21, but the Beavers were more alert and focused. Despite that, the Silverswords went on a 4-0 run to end the set.
Chaminade University continued to go on runs in the third set where they produced three unanswered 3-0 runs against the Beavers and ended the set and match 25-15.
The other opponent, the Beavers, faced was Hawai'i Pacific University. The Sharks went 13-15 last season and went 12-10 in the Pacific West Conference placing fifth in the conference.
Minot State took the first set 27-25 with Spuller leading the way. She had seven kills to go along with 12 assists from Froehlich. The set was a dog fight with many lead changes.
The Sharks were in control the entire second set, generating five service aces and a hitting percentage of .429%. Minot State had eight attack errors and one service error, which contributed to the score being 25 – 14.
Both the third and fourth sets finished with scores of 25-23. Hawai'i Pacific University won both sets and the match. Both teams were battling throughout each set, but the Sharks were able to capitalize off of the Beavers errors.
Senior middle hitter Emily Falldorf provided support for Spuller with eight kills. Senior middle hitter Hayley Swain led the team with four blocks.
Karli Koza continues to pilot the Beavers defense with 17 digs. Froehlich ended the match with 38 assists.
UP NEXT
Minot State University will compete in the Mountain Lion International in Colorado Springs, Colo. beginning on Sept. 13 and will conclude on the 14th. In the tournament, the Beavers will play in four matches. The first day will consist of two matches, with Colorado School of Mines at 12:00 p.m. and Angelos State University at 6:00 p.m. Then going into the next day facing University of Arkansas Fort Smith at 4:00 p.m. and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs at 8:00 p.m.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact the Coordinator of Sports Information
Josh Van Valkenburg-Gernert.
