Volleyball passes road test at Bluefield

BLUEFIELD, Va. (October 17, 2023) – The Milligan University volleyball team earned a four-set victory at Bluefield on Tuesday evening.

Milligan extends its win straight to eight-straight games and moves to 19-6 on the season and 13-2 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action. Bluefield falls to 14-11, 9-6 AAC. The Rams had swept the head-to-head series between Bluefield and Milligan in each of the last two seasons. Milligan and Bluefield will meet again in the regular season finale on Nov. 2.

Milligan used a 17-5 run in the first set to run away with a 25-13 opening set victory. The Buffs led 9-3 early in the second set before the Rams battled back to take a 23-21 lead. Milligan tied the frame at 23 before the Rams notched back-to-back kills to knot the match at one.

The Buffs trailed by four (9-5) early in the third frame. Coach Doneva Bays called a timeout with the Buffs trailing 16-13 and Milligan roared back with a 12-6 run to win the win 25-22. In the Buffs' set-ending rally, Milligan had 10 consecutive points recorded via kill or block.

Neither team led by more than two points until Milligan reeled off three-straight points to take a late 23-19 lead on their way to a 25-20 set four win to clinch the match.

Ella Maiden had 14 kills with a .400 hitting percentage and seven total blocks (four solo). Shelby Miller also notched 14 kills and three rejections. Avery Maiden added eight kill, Taylor Pavich had seven and Greyson Stevens notched six.

Kolbie Greene had 39 assists and 22 digs. Zoie Larkins logged a season high 24 digs. Riley Brinn added 15 digs.

The Buffs travel to Pikeville on Saturday.