Volleyball takes a set but falls to (RV) CIU

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (September 29, 2023) – The Milligan University volleyball team took a set from Columbia International but fell 3-1 on Friday evening in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.

The Buffs fall to 11-6 and 5-2 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action. CIU, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25, remains unbeaten with a 17-0 record and an 8-0 mark in conference play.

CIU never trailed in the first set on route to a 25-19 victory. The Buffs bounced back in the second set to hand the Rams their first conference set defeat of the season. Milligan jumped out to a 9-4 lead and led by as many as eight points on their way to a 25-18 set win.

The Buffs and Rams were tied at 15 in the third and fourth sets but the Rams outscored Milligan 10-7 and 10-4 to close out the final two sets and secure the match.

Ella Maiden had 16 kills and four total blocks. Shelby Miller posted 11 kills and Taylor Pavich had 10 kills without an error. Avery Maiden added nine kills.

Kolbie Greene recorded 43 assists and 21 digs. Zoie Larkins added 16 digs and Riley Brinn had 11 digs.

The Buffs totaled a season high 52 kills with a .217 hitting percentage. CIU notched 59 kills at a .252 clip.

Milligan hosts Columbia (S.C.) tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.