Buffs rally from two down to win at Union

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2020) – Career nights from senior Carley Gregory and junior Layla Grant, and the Milligan University women's volleyball team erased a two-set deficit to defeat Union, 14-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-22, 15-12, on the road Wednesday.

Gregory posted 18 kills while Grant posted a career-high 30 digs to help Milligan win its fourth straight and fifth out of the last six matches. The Buffs also avenged a three-set sweep they suffered to Union at home earlier this season, splitting the season series.

"I am super proud of my team's overall effort and tenacity," Head Coach Doneva Bays said after the victory. "We had a really slow start but finished well. This was a big win for this team, and I'm excited to continue to see this team grow."

Milligan improved to 7-4 on the season while handing the Bulldogs (8-2) their second straight loss after the team had started 8-0. The win helped Milligan solidify its current hold of third place in the AAC North, only 1 ½ games back of Union and 2 ½ back of league-leading Bryan.

Facts and figures

Gregory's 18 kills were two off her career high which she posted two matches ago in another five-set road win against Brenau, helping her earn Appalachian Athletic Conference weekly honors for the second week in a row. During Milligan's four-match winning streak, Gregory is averaging 15.25 kills per match and 3.6 kills per set.

Following next in Milligan's kill column was Julia Codispoti who finished with six kills, the next of 12 Buffs who registered at least one kill. Sydney Hurd posted 31 assists.

Match flow

After a slow start that saw Milligan trail two games to none, the Buffs battled back with runs of 5-2 at the end of the third set and 6-2 at the end of the fourth set to even things back up. They then trailed 8-7, 10-9 and finally 12-11 in the deciding set before finishing the match with the last four points.

A kill by Sarah Grace Larkey gave Milligan match point, and Larkey and Jericka Emert ended the match on the next point with a block.

Up next

Milligan returns home for the next three matches, starting with Bluefield on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. The Buffs have five home matches left on the regular-season schedule.