Varney’s Standout Day Leads to Sweep of Columbia for Buffs Volleyball

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Milligan University volleyball team was looking to get back in the win column on Saturday morning at Columbia College in their second of two straight matches in Columbia, S.C. The Buffs managed a sweep of the host Koalas, while having to scrap to make it happen (25-23, 25-21, 25-23).

In the opening set of the matchup, Milligan started slowly, falling behind by an 18-11 margin in the late stages. However, they fought back to score 14 of the last 19 points to win 25-23 in the opener.

Then, in the second set they were able to play a much more well-rounded game, battling back-and-forth with the Koalas until they pulled away to a 25-21 set victory.

After holding a 15-10 lead in set three, Columbia battled back to tie things at 23-23, before Milligan ended things with the final two points to snatch a 25-23 win.

Ella Maiden had a team-best 12 kills on 16 attacks with just a single error in the bout. Addison Varney had her most prolific offensive day of the season, putting away 11 kills on 13 swings with a single error to hit at .769 for the match. Shelby Miller added nine kills on 28 swings. Kolbie Greene passed out 40 assists in the three-set triumph.

Zoie Larkins led the team with nine digs in the win, while Riley Brinn had four and Greene had three. Varney had a solo block, while Avery Maiden did also. Greene, E. Maiden and Varney also had block assists.

Next on the schedule for the Buffs will be a tilt with Kentucky Christian University on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. inside Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.