Volleyball Goes Five Sets Again, Wins Thriller

McPherson, Kan. – The Doane Tigers volleyball team earned a gritty five-set win over William Penn (IA) on Friday evening at the McPherson Invite, rallying twice and closing strong for a 3–2 victory (18–25, 25–23, 25–23, 18–25, 18–16).

The Tigers (7–3) overcame a slow start after dropping the opening set. Behind steady setting from Camdyn Carpenter (32 assists) and clutch kills from Natalie Wood, Doane pulled even in a tight second set, edging the Statesmen 25–23. The third frame mirrored the second, as Wood and Kate Roseland combined for late points to push Doane ahead 2–1 in the match.

William Penn (10–4) responded with authority in the fourth, hitting .308 as a team to force a decisive fifth set. The finale swung back and forth, with neither team able to find significant separation. Doane fought off two match points before securing the win.

Wood led Doane's attack with 23 kills on .268 hitting, while Roseland chipped in 9 kills and 2 service aces. Brooke Larsen provided 10 kills and 7 digs, and Addison Raebel added 6 kills. Defensively, Chloe Rose (15 digs) and Kaylee Rammell (19 digs) anchored the back row, helping the Tigers post 76 digs overall.

Carpenter's balanced distribution allowed four different Tigers to tally at least six kills, while freshman setter Ashleigh Kirkendall added 19 assists off the bench. Roseland and Brinkley McAdams chipped in timely blocks to slow William Penn's middle attack.

For the Statesmen, Maju Vieira powered the offense with 17 kills on .324 hitting, while Abigail Mitchell added 13 kills and 9 digs. Libero Kaya Caprini led all players with 28 digs. William Penn out-dug Doane 87–76 and held a 9–5 edge in blocks..

The victory marks Doane's seventh win of the season and their second five-set match this week, showcasing the Tigers' resilience in close contests.

Doane continues tournament play Saturday in McPherson, taking on Central Methodist at 9 AM.

Final: Doane 3, William Penn 2

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