AL STRAIN STAFF WRITER
The Wartburg Knights volleyball team lost their first conference match of the season last Wednesday, falling to Luther 3-1.
Wartburg would split the first two games of the match before falling by consecutive scores of 15-25 to finish the match.
The loss dropped the Knights to 5-1 in IIAC play with two conference matches to go. Luther improved to 4-2.
Both teams have clinched a spot in the IIAC post-season tournament.
Head coach Jennifer Walker said Luther took control of the match from the very beginning.
“They came out and played their best game of the year and we were caught on our heels,” said Walker.
Walker said that Luther’s ability to use the block to discourage the Knights offense was an important part of their victory.
Luther put up 10 blocks, while the Knights only managed two.
The Knights were led by Sofie Swift and Britlyn Sieck, who each added eight kills to the Knights’ effort.
The Knights would also get 26 set assists from Britney Hermsen and 26 digs from Channing Merchant.
The loss sets up a crucial match for the Knights as they face on Simpson at home on Tuesday night.
Walker said the Knights would have to get back to basics, which starts with ball control.
“If we let them set the tempo we will struggle,” said Walker.
Simpson currently leads the Knights by a half game in IIAC play. A win would put the Knights in first place with only one conference match to go.
Walker said while the loss to Luther was disappointing, the Simpson game was a must win either way.
“This is the biggest game all season, we can win the conference with a win and we haven’t done that since 2002,” said Walker.
Photo: Kari Heinemann jumps for a strike in Wednesday's match at Luther. Heinemann had six kills in the Knights loss. Photo by Amanda Gahler