BOX SCORE
FAIRFAX, Va. – Rachel Wiechecki hammered a season-high 16 kills and collected 12 digs, but Temple held Radford to an .189 attack clip in downing the Highlanders, 3-1, in a nonconference volleyball match Friday evening as part of the Patriot Invitational inside the RAC.
Reigning Big South Freshman of the Week Jordan Watson was right behind, totaling 14 kills in addition to three blocks for Radford (3-2). Megan Short knocked down nine kills to go along with three blocks, while Cheyanne James tallied eight kills, a team-best 14 digs and four blocks.
Jena Braden recorded her second double-double in four matches, dishing out 25 assists and digging the ball 13 times. Rachel Flores was credited with a season-high 22 assists, while Emma Deininger rejected a team-high six attacks.
Gabriella Matautia paced the Owls (2-1) with a match-high 23 kills and 15 digs. Also posting a double-double was E. Carlin, who blasted 17 kills and absorbed 11 attacks. Alyssa Drachslin had a match-high 17 digs and Sandra Sydlik finished with a match-high 50 assists.
Behind three kills from Wiechecki, the Highlanders stormed out to a 7-3 edge in the opening set. However, Temple rallied to grab its first lead, 19-18, prompting an RU timeout. Despite the Highlanders winning the next two points, Temple came from behind once more to steal the first set, 25-22. Wiechecki and James led the Radford attack with five kills apiece.
Like the first frame, the Highlanders opened with an early advantage (3-0) in the second stanza. Trailing 5-2, the Owls scored the next six points to build an 8-5 edge. They extended their lead to six (16-10) moments later. RU closed the gap to three (22-19) following a block assist by Wiechecki and Deininger. However, Temple reeled off the final three points to clinch the set (25-19).
Trailing 12-11 in the third stanza, the Highlanders rallied to push in front, 18-15. After the Owls took a 20-19 edge, Radford answered with a 6-3 surge to force a fourth frame. Watson was phenomenal in the set, cranking eight kills.
In the fourth stanza, the Highlanders fell behind 16-10. RU cut its deficit in half, 20-17, before the Owls claimed the next two points for a five-point advantage. Refusing to back down, Wiechecki roped back-to-back winners to set the score at 22-19. The Highlanders' attempt at a comeback was derailed when Temple closed the set on a 3-2 run to clinch the match.
Radford returns to action Saturday for a 1 p.m. match against tournament host George Mason. Live stats and live video will be provided.
