The Butler volleyball team shocked the volleyball world Friday evening as they handed the defending NJCAA National Champs, No. 1-ranked Iowa Western Reivers, their first loss since early last season in a five-set thriller in the Blue Dragon Classic.
"Every win is a good win," commented head coach Lisa Lechtenberg after the game. "Iowa Western is a really good team. Our girls never gave up and that is what we are most proud of."
After a quick three set victory over Independence earlier in the day, the Grizzlies were faced up against a tough and tall Reiver team. The Grizzlies didn't shy away from the competition as they came out swinging winning the first set 25-20, their 31st consecutive set to win.
The Reiver team showed why they won it all last season as they put together two solid sets defeating the Grizzlies 25-17 and 25-20.
Butler, now with their back against the wall, was a set away from their first loss in the month of September. They kept pace with the Reivers in the fourth set and battled from behind gaining the lead late in the set and pushed to a 25-23 win sending the match to a fifth and final set.
The Grizzlies scored the first two points of set five, but the Reivers answered scoring six of the next eight taking a 6-4 lead. From that point on, it was a back-and-forth battle. Butler had the first opportunity leading 14-13 but an errant serve just missing the line tied the game up. The teams traded blows the next nine points with neither team giving an inch. The last tie was at 17 each and then Butler found a way.
It was Kayli Duncan who came up big in the final moments as she blocked the final two points for Butler pushing them to the 19-17 win.
"Being able to finish the game on two blocks was the best feeling ever," said Kayli Duncan. "I personally didn't have the best game, so it was super encouraging that I was able to help my team out at a time we needed it most. A win like this is really encouraging especially since we didn't even play our best volleyball today so imagine what we can do when do play to our level. We have connected and grown so much as a team already this season, we are excited to see what is in sore the rest of the season, especially after a win like this. We worked hard for it and earned it."
Jaryn Benning posted a double-double finishing the match with a team high 16 kills with 17 digs and six blocks. Ivy Fink, who had some impressive kills in the match, also finished the night with a double-double with 15 kills and 11 digs. Carly Clennan put away 14 balls and had three blocks from her middle position. Kayli Duncan finished with seven kills and four blocks, two of which put the match away in the final moments of the fifth set.
"There is no better feeling," said junior Jaryn Benning on beating the Reivers. "I love these girls; I love this team from the coaches to the managers. We wanted to win for each other tonight and we did it."
Butler (15-2, 3-0) has now won 11 straight matches. Things don't get easier as the Grizzlies will face two more ranked opponents tomorrow as they play No. 9 Missouri State West Plains at 12:00pm and then No. 17 Mineral Area at 2:00pm to finish out the Blue Dragon Classic.
