Volleyball ends record-breaking season in AAC semifinals

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (November 11, 2023) – The Milligan University volleyball team concluded its record-breaking 2023 campaign with a four-set defeat to Bryan in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament semifinals.

The Buffs conclude their season with a 26-7 record, a game shy of earning a spot at the NAIA National Championship Opening Round. The Lions advanced to the AAC title game later that afternoon with a 22-9 record.

Bryan won the first, third and fourth sets 25-17, 25-19 and 25-21. Milligan won the second frame 25-18.

The Buffs nearly pushed the match to a dramatic fifth set as Milligan narrowed Bryan's edge to a single point (19-18) late in the fourth set. The Buffs were unable to score consecutive points the rest of the way as the Lions held on for the four-set victory.

Shelby Miller led Milligan with 17 kills. Ella Maiden added 16 kills and six total blocks. Avery Maiden had 11 kill and Taylor Pavich added nine.

Kolbie Greene recoded 45 assists and 14 digs. Zoie Larkins had 21 digs.

Milligan's 26 victories marked the program's winningest season since 2018. The Buffs set single-season team records in AAC winning percentage (.905) and sweeps in AAC play (13). The team closed the regular season on a 14-game winning streak and set the program record with their 15th-straigth victory in the AAC Tournament quarterfinals.