Saturday's home triangular proved to be difficult for Volleyball as the Ravens dropped matches against Grand View University and McPherson College.
In their second match of the day, the Ravens got off to a sluggish start in the opening set against the Bulldogs, falling behind 6-1. Still, the Ravens were able to battle back and eventually take a 20-17 lead. However, the Bulldogs closed the set on an 8-3 run to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
The teams stayed within a couple of points of each other in the second set, but the Bulldogs pulled away late to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
The Ravens found their groove in the third set. With the teams tied 15-15, the Ravens went on a 10-3 run to close out the set. Haylie Dickerson had 4 kills in the set to pace the Ravens.
The fourth set started in the right direction for the Ravens as they took an 8-5 lead. However, the Bulldogs went on an extended run to take a 19-10 lead. The Ravens were unable to mount a comeback, dropping the fourth set and losing the match 3-1.
Fleur Wesselink led the Ravens with 12 kills in the match, with Dickerson adding 10 kills. Paxton Throne had 38 assists while Hannah Thomazin had 18 digs and Hailey Folkers and Maria Duran each had 14 digs.
The Ravens faced a tough test to open Saturday's action in the form of the (7) Grand View Vikings. The visiting Vikings showed why they were a top-10 team by controlling the action and picking up a three-set win against the Raves, 25-14, 25-15 and 25-16.
A big difference between the Ravens and Vikings was seen in each team's attack. The Ravens had 28 kills and 27 attack errors in the match, a .010 attack percentage, while the Vikings had 36 kills and 11 attack errors, notching a .275 attack percentage.
Wesselink had 12 kills to lead the Ravens while Donetta Cage and Elizabeth Nobert each had 5 kills. Throne recorded 28 assists and Taylor Shroll had 13 digs.
The Vikings were also able to record 11 total blocks and the Ravens managed just 3 blocks.
The Ravens (6-11, 1-2 Heart) will play Sept. 17 at (RV) Evangel University in Springfield, Mo.
