Volleyball storms back to take down Bryan 3-2

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (October 10, 2023) – The Milligan University volleyball team rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Bryan in five sets at the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse on Tuesday evening.

Milligan completes a season sweep over the Lions for the first time since 2018 and moves to 16-6 on the season and 10-2 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) actions. The Buffs sit in sole possession of second place in the AAC standings. Bryan falls to 13-9, 10-4 AAC.

The Lions led by as many as 10 points in the first set (19-10) and held off a late Milligan push to take the opening frame 25-20. Bryan was a step ahead for most of the season set and despite the Buffs closing the margin to two points at 23-21, held on for a 25-22 set victory.

The third set was tied at 13 before the Buffs reeled off four-straight points and never trailed again on their way to a 25-20 score. The Buffs ran away with the fourth set 25-17 to force a decisive fifth game.

Three early blocks in the fifth set gave the Buffs a 6-4 edge. Milligan took advantage of nine Bryan hitting errors in the final frame as the Buffs completed reverse sweep with a 15-11 score.

Avery Maiden had a career high 17 kills and added seven digs and three total blocks. Ella Maiden had 10 kills and 11 total blocks. Shelby Miller posted 10 kills.

Taylor Pavich and Greyson Stevens played key roles in the victory. Pavich was thrust into the setter spot with Kolbie Greene experiencing an illness. Pavich had 31 assists, 12 digs, six kills and a pair of block assists. Stevens played in the front and back rows and finished with six kills, seven digs and two block assists.

Zoie Larkins had 18 digs, Hannah Holmes recorded a season high 12 digs and 16 serve receptions. Riley Brinn added 11 digs.

Milligan had a season high 13 blocks as a team. Tuesday marked the Buffs' second-straight five-set AAC victory after winning 3-2 at Johnson on Saturday.

Milligan hosts Brenau on Friday evening.