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Paul Quinn Athletics

Paul Quinn Outlasts Southwestern in Four-Set Thriller

Siloam Springs, Ark. — August 22, 2025 — In an early-season clash at Murray Sells Gymnasium, Paul Quinn College opened its 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Southwestern College (Kan.), pulling away in a marathon fourth set to secure the win. The Tigers (1–0) took the match by scores of 25–21, 17–25, 25–20, and 34–32, while the Moundbuilders (0–1) showed plenty of fight in their season debut.

Paul Quinn Outlasts Southwestern in Four-Set Thriller
Box Score
August 22, 2025

Key Performers

Paul Quinn's offense was paced by Jayden Jones, who hammered down 10 kills despite facing 38 attempts, and Jakayla Morrow, who chipped in nine kills with a .318 hitting percentage. Middle hitter Makaila Piggee added efficiency at the net with eight kills at a .368 clip, while also contributing four block assists.

Setter Spirit Phipps orchestrated the attack brilliantly, dishing out 31 assists while adding seven digs and a team-high four service aces. Defensively, Jones led the Tigers with 13 digs, followed closely by Kristen Williams (10) and Kaylin Chambers (9).

For Southwestern, Mikki Johnson put on a show offensively, tallying 23 kills on 54 swings for a .278 hitting percentage, carrying much of the load for the Moundbuilders. Ashlyn Tag added 13 kills and 14.5 points overall, while Haylie Poole chipped in 10 kills. Setter Reece Likes distributed 24 assists, while Natalie Blaufuss had 22, helping Southwestern stay competitive throughout. Defensively, Kalissa Ortega stood out with 16 digs, while Johnson and Poole combined for seven block assists.

Match Flow

  • Set 1 (25–21, Paul Quinn): The Tigers set the tone early, hitting .259 in the opener while holding Southwestern to .147. Morrow and Piggee combined for six kills, and Phipps controlled the tempo with sharp distribution.
  • Set 2 (25–17, Southwestern): The Moundbuilders responded by tightening their block and finding rhythm offensively. Johnson tallied six kills in the frame, leading Southwestern to an efficient .176 hitting mark.
  • Set 3 (25–20, Paul Quinn): Paul Quinn regained momentum behind steady play from Jones and Morrow. Phipps' two service aces in the set swung momentum late, allowing the Tigers to pull ahead in the match.
  • Set 4 (34–32, Paul Quinn): The decisive set turned into a marathon, with both teams exchanging runs and fending off multiple set points. Southwestern leaned heavily on Johnson and Tag, but Paul Quinn's balance and late defensive stands sealed the 34–32 victory, capping a grueling but thrilling contest.

By the Numbers

  • Paul Quinn: 44 kills, .160 hitting, 57 digs, 18 block assists, 7 service aces.
  • Southwestern: 57 kills, .125 hitting, 71 digs, 11 block assists, 7 service aces.
  • Attendance: 69 fans witnessed the season-opening showdown.

What's Next

Paul Quinn (1–0) will look to build on the momentum of its gritty opening win as it continues early-season play. Southwestern (0–1), despite the loss, showed strong offensive firepower led by Johnson and Tag, suggesting they will be a dangerous squad as they adjust and settle into the season.