DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake volleyball improved to 15-6 overall and 6-2 in conference play this evening with a convincing 3-1 victory over Valparaiso (25-17, 25-27, 25-14, 25-17). The Bulldogs overcame a lackluster second set to roll to an important MVC win. Valpo's loss was just their third of the year.
 
The Bulldogs traded jabs with the Beacons in the early stages of the first set before settling into a groove. Midway through the first period, Drake went on a 11-1 run to extend their lead to 17-7. Valpo did their best to claw back into contention but could not keep up with Drake's pace as the Bulldogs won the frame 25-17.
 
Valpo came out with much more energy and intent in the second set, opening up a 14-8 advantage. Drake stayed steady, however, and rallied with a 9-1 run to take a 16-14 lead. Both teams traded runs as the set progressed and Valpo eked out a 27-25 win, their only set win of the night.
 
Drake returned to their dominant form in the final two sets as the Beacons struggled to recreate their consistency. Valparaiso never threatened in either the third or fourth sets as Drake cruised to a 3-1 match win.
 
The Bulldogs outplayed Valpo in every facet of the game. Drake outkilled the Beacons 60-47 and posted a .341 kill percentage compared to the Beacons' .113 mark. Drake also racked up 13 blocks to Valpo's five.
 
Mariana Rodrigues led the Dogs with a19 kills, followed by Haley Bush's 18 and Taylor Oberpriller's 11. Oberpriller also recorded six blocks, the second-most in the match behind Kacie Rewerts' seven. Addison Beagle posted 51 assists while Jada Wills narrowly missed her season-best digs total with 28.
 
"I'm really proud of our team tonight," said Drake head coach Darrin McBroom. "Valpo is always a tough team, they've only lost three matches all season, so to get tonight's win is a big deal. We could've had a better second set and need to work on finishing better, but when both Mariana (Rodrigues), Haley (Bush), and Taylor (Oberpriller) are hitting well, that makes us a powerful offense."
 
Drake will return to action tomorrow evening with another MVC match. The Bulldogs will conclude their season series with UIC at 5 p.m.
 
 
NOTES

• Drake's win over Valpo was their first since 2019 and first in the Knapp Center since 2009, when the Beacons were still a member of the Horizon League.
• Drake held Valparaiso to just 14 points in the third set, their lowest single-set point total of the season.
• The Bulldogs recorded 88 total digs, the third-highest single-match team total of the year.