Volleyball wins 15th-straight to advance to AAC semifinals

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (November 10, 2023) – The Milligan University volleyball team swept Bluefield in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament quarterfinals at the MeadowView Marriott on Friday afternoon.

The Buffs recorded their 15th-straight win, a program record, to advance to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2020. Milligan moves to 26-6 on the season while Bluefield concludes its season at 18-15.

The Buffs used an early eight-point run with Taylor Pavich at the serving line to separate from the Rams (10-3) in the first set. A six-point Milligan string pushed Milligan's edge to 19-7 as the Buffs cruised to a 25-11 set victory.

Bluefield led 7-4 in the second set before Milligan responded six-points to take a 10-7 lead. Bluefield worked back within a single point at 15-14 and 16-15 before the Buffs pulled away with a 7-1 run to win the frame 25-17.

Pavich had another lengthy service spree early in the third set as the Buffs jumped out to a 9-3 advantage in the third set. A 7-1 run with Rachel Falin at the service line pushed Milligan's margin to 16-6 as the Buffs went on to clinch the match with a25-15 set score.

Shelby Miller led the Buffs with 14 kills on a .400 hitting percentage. Ella Maiden had 13 kills and five total blocks. Pavich finished with 10 kills and seven digs. Avery Maiden added eight digs.

Kolbie Greene notched 38 assists, 20 digs, two blocks and two kills. Zoie Larkins finished with 18 digs and six assists.

The Buffs will take on the winner of second-seeded Bryan and No. 6 Brenau tomorrow in the AAC semifinals at 12:30 p.m. The AAC championship game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.