Women’s Volleyball Fall 3 Sets to 1 Under New Leadership
The Culver-Stockton Wildcats were paid a visit by the Waldorf Warriors Saturday the 17th to open up their women’s volleyball season. Despite falling to the Warriors 3 to 1 the Wildcats showed a lot of promise under the new leadership of Audrye Alejandro-Rivera.
New Head Coach takes the Helm
Audrye Alejandro-Rivera joined Culver-Stockton College as announced in August. He fills the spot left by coach Levi Pollreisz after 2 years at the helm. Coach Alejandro-Rivera enters his first head coaching position, however he has had many assistant coaching positions.
In an article posted by Culver-Stocktons Athletic Department, Athletic Director Pat Atwell states; “Audrye has knowledge of the NAIA and has many recruiting contacts that will serve him well as he brings young women to Culver-Stockton College,” He would continue. “We have a tradition of giving head coaches their first shot and Audrye is another example of that. He is excited to get going with the 2024-25 Wildcat women’s volleyball program and we are excited to watch he and the team perform.”
Waldorf Warriors Beat Wildcats 3-1
Waldorf would enter the Joe Charles Field House 0-2 on the season. They would drop their season opener in Fulton, MO losing to William Woods Owls 3-0. They would drop their home opener to the Mount Mercy Mustangs 3-1. Before the game I asked coach Bri Ebenhoe about those two games. She stated they learned a lot about themselves in those two games.
The Wildcats enter their first game as they have been working hard to find their grove together through practice. This game showed a lot of promise for this team. Last year the Wildcat squad only had one senior on the roster. So this team now sees a very heavy veteran presence going into the year with four seniors and three juniors.
The Wildcats would see some struggles through the game as they would give up five points due to formation violations. Despite that the Wildcats battled through as they would prevent a sweep on the day and pick up a Set victory taking the third after going down 2-0. Set 1 would go Waldorf 25-19, Set 2 Waldorf 25-15, Set 3 Culver 25-23, and Set 4 Waldorf 25-23.
Waldorf’s Kills would see three players tie at 9. Senior Kenzie Kidd, freshman Kaylin Koch, and senior Alicia Brandt. Freshman Kaylin Koch has been outstanding with 33 kills on the season in 3 games. Sophomore Reinya Balderson would lead the team with 23 assist on the day. Kenzie Kidd would lead the team in 10 digs keeping the team alive to win.
Culver-Stockton would see Zoe Irvin lead with 13 kills. Of the 82 points scored Lauren Bloom would assist 35 points. Kyla Ellis would dig 14 times to keep the team in the game.
What’s to Come
The Warriors will return home 1-2 and will face the Peru State Bobcats Saturday August 24th. Meanwhile the Wildcats will stay at home as the William Woods Owls will make the trip and take on the cats Wednesday August 21st at 7:00 PM.
All home games will be broadcasted on the Wildcat Network.
