by LAWRENCE, KS – In a true back-and-forth showdown that went the distance, Haskell Indian Nations University outlasted Crowley’s College in a thrilling five-set victory (27-25, 25-19, 18-25, 22-25, 15-10). The match was defined by powerful offensive plays and momentum swings, with both teams trading blows for over two hours.
The first set set the tone for the entire match, with neither team able to pull away. Crowley’s Brooklyn Cross and Kyrsten Bake traded kills with Haskell’s Jesse Estes and Tressa Jim. The set was tied 24-24, showcasing the intense, high-pressure play, before Haskell pulled ahead with key late-set kills from their offense to take a narrow 27-25 victory.
Haskell carried that momentum into the second set, jumping out to an early 6-0 lead fueled by a dominant service run from Jaspen Ellenwood. While Crowley fought back, the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Ellenwood’s setting and a pair of service aces helped Haskell maintain control and close out the set 25-19, taking a 2-0 lead in the match.
Just as it seemed Haskell was on the brink of a sweep, Crowley mounted a fierce comeback. The third set saw Crowley’s offense find its rhythm, powered by a decisive service run that put them up 9-2. Brooklyn Cross and Jillian Glasgow were relentless on the attack, while the blocking duo of Brooklyn Cross and Shania Hodges disrupted Haskell’s front row. The strong effort from Crowley’s defense and a flurry of Haskell hitting errors propelled Crowley to a 25-18 win.
The fourth set was a nail-biter. Both teams matched each other point for point in a defensive struggle. Haskell’s Hailey Kelsey put together a phenomenal service run with four straight aces to give her team a brief lead, but Crowley answered with a strong run of their own. Led by Brooklyn Cross on the attack and key blocks by Shania Hodges and Amiyah Saxton, Crowley fought off match point and won the final three rallies to force a deciding fifth set with a 25-22 victory.
With everything on the line, the fifth set was all about Haskell’s ability to close. After a tight start, the Tomahawks found their rhythm behind a critical service run by Hailey Kelsey that included three service aces. Middle blocker Mya Dalgai delivered clutch kills and a key block to help Haskell pull away. The match ended with back-to-back kills from Kayelani Maiava and Mya Dalgai, sealing the 15-10 victory for Haskell in a hard-fought battle.
