Wildcats Battle Back, Push 11th-Ranked Bulldogs to Marathon Fourth Set

MCPHERSON, Kan. - Baker volleyball showed plenty of fight against one of the NAIA's top-ranked teams, but came up just short of forcing a fifth set in a 3-1 road loss at No. 11 McPherson on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs took the match with set scores of 25-13, 25-15, 23-25, and 30-28.

The night started slowly for the Wildcats as McPherson controlled the first two frames with its powerful offense and precision serving, which produced 10 aces in the first two sets. The Wildcats found their rhythm in the third and fourth sets and were able to put together big runs that forced the Bulldogs to sweat out a narrow victory.

After McPherson scored the first three points of the third set, Baker responded with a 17-7 surge — their first extended run of the match — to grab the lead and keep the Bulldogs chasing. The Wildcats held their composure late, turning back a late McPherson push to secure the 25-23 win and extend the match.

The momentum carried into the fourth set, but it was another uphill battle as Baker fell behind 8-1 early before clawing back within striking distance. The Wildcats chipped away to pull within three, and when McPherson had match point in hand, Baker continued to go down without a fight.

Trailing by five, the Wildcats rattled off six straight points, highlighted by Aby Widhalm's block at 24-23 to tie things up at 24-24. Moments later, Widhalm dropped in an ace to put Baker within one point of forcing a decisive fifth, but the Bulldogs regrouped just in time, rallying in extra points to escape with a marathon 30-28 win and close out the match.

Offensively, BU was led by Widhalm and Kylie Murray, who each finished with 12 kills and combined for five of the Wildcats' six aces on the night. Meanwhile, McPherson hit .247 as a team and totaled 11 service aces in their first home match of the 2025 season.

With its first setback of the season, Baker will look to bounce back on Friday, Aug. 30, when the Wildcats host Bethany for their home opener. First serve is set for 7 p.m. in Collins Gym.

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