Roadrunners Dig Pink in 3-0 Win Over Clark
LBCC came home from a long trip on the road and beat the Clark Penguins 3-0 on Oct. 26, further separating them from the rest of the south division and making their presence felt in a big way.
The Roadrunners now stand at 26-10 overall, with a 10-1 record in the conference. Before the game, Clark (15-18 overall, 6-5 conference) was ranked second in the south division, but the loss to the Roadrunners has dropped them all the way to fourth, behind a three-way tie for second between Clackamas, Lane, and Chemeketa.
LBCC won 3-0, but they had to fight the entire match. Clark lost by a combined 10 points in the first two sets (25-20 both times), before the wheels came off in the third and final set, losing 25-12 to cap off a huge night for the Roadrunners. LBCC played clean and effective volleyball most of the night, which played a huge part in always staying ahead during the match. Clark had many chances to take control, but self-inflicted mistakes held them back all match.
Statistical leaders on the night for the Roadrunners included Maddie Norris, who continued her great season with 23 assists, while also recording four kills. Her assists were spearheaded by Grace Phillips (10 kills) and Ally Tow (11 kills). By the third set, Clark had given the Roadrunners a lot to handle, but perseverance and hard work willed them to a exclamation-point victory.
This win is huge for a few reasons. Heading into today, Clark was behind LBCC in the division by just three games, but the convincing win has put the whole NWAC on watch. Now, LBCC is among lesser competition in the south, as the teams in a three-way tie for second are at a record of 7-4.
The goal at the start of the season was to make it to the NWAC’s and compete for a conference title, and with only three more matches left, the Roadrunners may have just clinched that opportunity. Focus and execution, in a time where it matters the most, will be the keys to success going forward.
Story and Photos by Cam Hanson
