Trailblazers Defeat Missouri Baptist JV 3-1
GODFREY, Ill. — The Lewis and Clark Community College volleyball team earned a strong 3-1 victory over Missouri Baptist JV this past week, showing resilience, adaptability, and offensive balance under head coach Jenna Brown.
After opening the match with a dominant first set, the Trailblazers dropped the second, prompting Brown to make key lineup adjustments.
"After we dropped the second set, I could tell it was in our energy and communication," Brown said. "So, I put in a couple of new players to bring fresh energy and communication. I continued to emphasize to the team how important it is to stay intentional with our energy and communication."
The adjustments sparked a turnaround as Lewis and Clark regained momentum and controlled the next two sets to seal the win. Brown said she was proud of how her team responded to adversity.
Freshman outside hitter Sarah Baldwin led the way offensively with 21 kills, showcasing her ability to adapt to different sets and stay consistent at the net.
"Sarah was a standout on offense," Brown said. "She adjusted well to a variety of sets and bettered the ball every chance she got. She's been a key leader for us, both in her play and her attitude on the court."
Brown also highlighted the Trailblazers' growth on defense throughout the match, particularly in their response to Missouri Baptist JV's middle hitters.
"They had a strong middle game," Brown said. "Our block adjusted, and our defense became scrappier and stronger. Once we tightened up our blocking, it made a big difference in how we were able to control rallies."
Brown said the win reflects the team's ongoing commitment to improvement and their focus on developing both physical and mental aspects of the game.
"As a team, we continue to work on our overall movement on the court and engage in drills that challenge our volleyball IQ," Brown said. "We're learning to read the game better, anticipate plays, and trust each other more each match."
With the victory, the Trailblazers continue to build momentum as they move deeper into their schedule, looking to refine their teamwork and maintain their winning rhythm.
Written by Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator