Buffs earn AAC tourney runner-up, advance to national championship

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (March 25, 2021) – Julia Codispoti and Cameron McConnell made the all-tournament team to lead the Milligan University women's volleyball team to a thrilling five-set win over Point in the semifinals before the Buffaloes fell to Reinhardt in the championship match Thursday on the final day of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament.

Milligan defeated Point 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-12 and lost to Reinhardt 22-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-18. This marked the third straight season Milligan faced Reinhardt in the championship match, taking place at MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center.

"Julia and Cameron played very consistent for us over the last two days," Head Coach Doneva Bays said. "Cameron adjusted well to each offense that we saw and was a voice all tournament. Codispoti has been a four-year starter for us, and I think finishing on a high note is rewarding. She and our other middles were instrumental in us making it to the finals."

Codispoti helped Milligan on the offensive end with one of the highest hitting percentages of the tournament. She finished with 32 kills along with nine blocks, including three solo blocks. McConnell was key for Milligan on the defensive end with the second-highest number of digs in the two-day tournament, tallying 53.

"In a year of a pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty about whether there would even be a conference tournament," Bays added. "However, here we are in the championship. Being here and healthy is a great accomplishment. This season had a lot of ups and downs, and my team has handled adversity as best we can. I am super excited to end with a third bid to nationals. We are continuing to build a tradition and legacy."

Milligan makes most of morning match

One of Milligan's most balanced team efforts of the season helped the Buffs prevail in a five-set thriller over Point. After losing to the Skyhawks in straight sets in the only meeting of the regular season to close out last fall's slate, Milligan avenged the loss in the form of a 3-2 victory where the Buffs five of the last six points came via kill.

Carley Gregory had three of those five while Codispoti had two, including the penultimate point which put Milligan ahead 14-11 in the deciding set.

Four Buffs registered double figures for digs, led by Gregory with 13 and Abigail Byington with 11. Codispoti and Sarah Grace Larkey followed closely with 10.

Taylor Pavich tallied 23 assists and Sydney Hurd had 20. Paxton Adkins served up three aces.

On the defensive end, Layla Grant had 21 digs, McConnell 16, and Adkins 11.

The match was close the whole way, as only one set was decided by more than three points, and the total margin of victory ended +8 in Milligan's favor. Key runs included a 5-2 run Milligan used starting a 20-20 in the first set, a 10-1 run to start the third set, and an 8-4 run to finish the match. The closing run started with the Buffs trailing 8-7 in the final set.

Buffs win first set, but fall in final

Gregory posted a team-high 14 kills, followed closely by Codispoti with 11. Larkey and Byington came next with seven kills apiece. Pavich and Hurd once again shared the workload as setter with 19 and 17 assists, respectively. Grant and McConnell tallied 15 digs and 14 digs.

The Buffaloes came out with a lot of energy resulting in a win of the first set, 25-22. They sustained that energy through most of the second set but ultimately ran out of gas. Reinhardt finished set two on a 7-4 run, set three on a 15-8 run and set four on a 4-1 run.

Up next

Milligan will compete in the national championship for the third straight season. The opening round date is set for Saturday, April 17, with final site dates set for Tuesday-Saturday, April 27 – May 1, in Sioux City, Iowa. More details on the national championship are forthcoming.

Highlights vs. Point