Topeka, Kan. – Truman State Volleyball closed out its weekend at the Ichabod Invitational with a four-set victory over Newman on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs finished 1-3 on the weekend, dropping matches to Washburn, Emporia State, and Minnesota State Moorhead before securing a hard fought win against the Jets.
Washburn 3, Truman 0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-21)
The Bulldogs opened the tournament against host Washburn, who came out strong on both sides of the net. Truman kept the first set close before a 7–1 Ichabod run created separation. Washburn's serve and block pressure carried through the second and third sets, limiting Truman's offensive rhythm. Despite this, the Bulldogs battled to within a few points in the deciding sets. Michaela Goad led Truman with six kills, while setter Tori Creason handed out 18 assists.
Emporia State 3, Truman 0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-18)
Friday's second match saw the Bulldogs take on Emporia State. Truman battled point-for-point in the first set before the Hornets closed late to secure the frame. Emporia controlled the second and third sets with long scoring runs and efficient attacking. Goad posted a team-high nine kills, while Creason added 20 assists.
Minnesota State Moorhead 3, Truman 0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-20)
Saturday morning's matchup against MSU Moorhead featured extended rallies and competitive stretches, but the Dragons pulled away late in each set. Moorhead's offense hit efficiently throughout, finishing at .300 in the final frame to secure the sweep. Goad registered eight kills, and Creason tallied 14 assists.
Truman 3, Newman 1 (25-21, 25-10, 19-25, 25-17)
The Bulldogs saved their best for last, defeating Newman in four sets to notch their first win of the season. Truman opened with a 25–21 first-set win behind a balanced attack led by Goad and Jessie Julius. A 4–0 late run, capped by an ace from Jessica Proszenyak, sealed the set. The Bulldogs dominated the second set 25–10, as Creason spread the offense to multiple hitters while Erickson and Hosty controlled the net defensively. Newman fought back in the third, using a late surge to take the set 25–19 and extend the match. Truman regrouped in the fourth, with Goad delivering four kills and Proszenyak again sparking the Bulldogs from the service line. A 6–2 finishing run, highlighted by a Julius kill, closed out a 25–17 win and the match. Goad paced Truman with 12 kills, Julius added eight, and Creason finished with 24 assists. The Bulldogs' 13 aces were a season-high.
Key Stats – Weekend Totals & Leaders
Team Totals (4 matches):
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Kills: 146
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Assists: 137
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Service Aces: 29
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Blocks: 21
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Digs: 135
Individual Leaders:
The Bulldogs will play their home opener this Thursday against Nebraska-Kearney at 6:00 PM. This game doubles as student and youth sports apprecation night with free admission, free food while suplies last, and giveaways throughout the evening. Come support the Bulldogs in full force!
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