Volleyball downed by CIU 3-0

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (October 1, 2021) – The Milligan University volleyball fell in three sets to Columbia International on Friday evening in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.

The Buffs fall to 6-11 on the season and 4-4 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) competition. CIU entered the evening in second place in the league standing and rises to 15-6, 7-1 AAC. The Rams took the three-set match with scores of 25-20, 25-18, 25-20.

CIU smacked 45 kills on a .273 hitting percentage on the evening while the Buffs posted 29 kills at a .056 clip.

Milligan's offensive attack was balanced with six different players registering at least four kills. Carley Gregory led the way with six kills. Abigail Byington had five kills and two blocks.

Sarah Grace Larkey, Ella Maiden, Taylor Pavich and Jericka Emert each had four kills apiace. Maiden led the team with three total blocks and Pavich had 11 assists.

Cameron McConnell was honored before the match for recording her 1,000th career dig during Tuesday night's game at Bryan. She led Milligan's back line with 14 digs at the libero spot.

Despite falling in three sets, the Buffs made some late runs and were in contention for each set.

After trailing 19-11 in the first set, Milligan reeled off five-straight points, including a pair of kills by Maiden. The Buffs brought the set to a 22-20 margin, forcing CIU to use both of its timeouts, but the Rams respond with three-straight points to close out the set 25-20.

CIU led 20-11 in the second set and Milligan pushed back to a 23-17 margin before the Rams found the last two points to take the set. The Buffs hung around in the third set, staying within five down the stretch but were unable to tie the game after it was deadlocked at 11.

The Buffs return to the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse for tomorrow's tri-match with Columbia (S.C.) and Cumberland. Milligan squares off with the Koalas at 11:00 a.m. and against Cumberland at 3:00 p.m.