ST. LOUIS, MO. – Spalding volleyball was defeated in the Quarterfinals of the SLIAC Tournament against the Webster Gorloks. The Golden Eagles finished with an overall record of 12-18 (9-9 SLIAC).

TURNING POINT
To begin the first set, Spalding and the Gorloks were battling it out as the score went to 3-3. Webster used their home court advantage against the Golden Eagles, as they created some separation, 11-6. From here on out, it was all the Gorloks as they took the set, 17-25.

It was a fight once again, between both SLIAC teams, to start the second set. Within the first 10 points, there were eight lead changes. This back and forth nature continued through the set with neither team gaining too much of an advantage. Spalding was able to build a small three point lead thanks to a kill and a service ace by Jayda Branch. Branch and Jordan Sarver each added a kill off an assist from Ella Clark to go up 21-18 late in the set. The Gorloks continued to fight, but the Golden Eagles did not give up their lead. SU closed the set, winning 25-21. 

Webster opened the third set on a tear, going up 5-2 early. Spalding fought back and used a block from Halle Calbert and Sarver to bring the score to 11-10 in favor of the Gorloks. Webster then scored five of the next six points to build a large lead over the Golden Eagles. This was too much for SU to overcome as the hosts closed set three, winning 25-18.

The fourth set started off back and forth, similar to the second. The teams traded the lead, tying the score at 5-5 early. This battle continued into the middle of the set, before Webster went on a run. After the Gorloks scored seven of nine points, they held a 19-13 lead. Spalding fought back, going on a three point run thanks to a kill from Kendall Mattison and a service ace from Brianna Terpening. This was not enough as Webster closed the set, 25-17..

Despite the loss, Spalding can celebrate Jayda Branch and her milestone. Branch reached 1,000 career digs in her 3 years at Spalding. 

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Jayda Branch joins the 1,000 dig club.
• Branch tallied 22 kills.
• Ella Clark had 38 assists.
• Spalding had an overall record of 12-18 and 9-9 in conference play.

END OF THE SEASON
Spalding finished their season in the Quarterfinals of the SLIAC Tournament. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the volleyball team this season. Stay tuned for the 2024 season.