Buffs drop AAC opener to Bluefield

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (September 9, 2021) – The Milligan University volleyball team opened Appalachian Athletic Conference play with a four set defeat to Bluefield in the Steve Lacey Fieldhouse on Thursday night.

The Buffs fell 19-25, 21-25, 25-15, 17-25, and move to 2-8 on the year (0-1 AAC). Bluefield moves to 4-5 overall, 1-0 AAC.

Milligan could not overcome strong performances by Bluefield hitters Leslie Flores and Jessica Wells. The duo combined for 32 of Bluefield's 48 kills and hit .272 on the evening.

Each of the first two sets were tied at 17 before Bluefield gained control of each frame with set-deciding runs. The Buffs hit a game-high .280 in the third set to run away with a 25-15 victory, the largest margin of victory in any set on the evening. The Rams used an early 5-0 spurt to take the lead, and never looked back to close out the match 25-17 in the fourth.

Carley Gregory led the way for Milligan with 13 kills on the evening, marking her third-straight outing with double-digit kills.

Ella Maiden had nine kills, six blocks and four total blocks. Abigail Byington notched seven kills, two aces and three total blocks.

Paxton Adkins led Milligan's back line with 10 digs. Taylor Pavich dished 25 assists and recorded five kills and two total blocks.

The Buffs return to action on Tuesday with a home AAC matchup with Montreat in the Steve Lacey Fieldhouse.