SMCC Women's Volleyball Downs Park-Gilbert in Five-Set Thriller

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College women's volleyball team (1-4) defeated NAIA Park-Gilbert 3-2 (25-19, 22-25, 13-25, 25-16, 19-17) in a thrilling five-set comeback on Wednesday, Aug. 25. The Cougars stormed back from a 2-1 deficit to claim the final two sets, including a 19-17 win in the final frame, with Madison Cadden (17 kills) and Emily Wilson (15 kills) leading the SMCC attack. 

SMCC jumped to a 1-0 lead after hitting .565 on 23 swings in the first set. After falling behind 2-1, the Cougars rallied for 16 kills, eight in each frame, and a .220 hitting percentage over the final two sets to win the match. SMCC totaled 47 kills for the contest and a .271 hitting percentage on 129 attacks. 

Cadden posted 17 kills with just one error in 46 swings to post a .348 hitting percentage for the contest. She added a solo block and two block assists while playing in all five sets. 

Wilson recorded 15 kills on 29 swings and hit .379 in the victory. She added 14 digs to post the first SMCC double-double of the season and recorded a service ace. 

Jalyssa Rogers added eight kills on 22 attacks, led SMCC with five solo blocks and four block assists, and recorded three digs. Mariah Smith (four kills) and Brynley Lynch (three kills) also figured in the SMCC attack. 

Imani Cannon finished with a team-high 21 digs and three service aces for the Cougars. Delicea McAuley led the offense with 48 assists and added four service aces, seven digs, a solo block and three block assists. Shayna Simmers posted three assists, four service aces and five digs in the win.