Buffs Volleyball Ends Reinhardt's Perfect AAC Record in Five-Set Thriller

MILLIGAN, Tenn. – On Friday night, the Milligan University women's volleyball team upended Reinhardt, who was previously unbeaten in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play, in five sets to push their winning streak to 11 games in a row. The Buffs were able to overcome an early deficit and push through in five sets as they celebrated five departing players in their program on Senior Day (17-25, 25-16, 25-23, 19-25, 15-10).

Milligan started slow and ultimately dropped the first set 25-17, and it looked as of it may be a tough night ahead. Then, however, Milligan was shot out of a cannon in set two, flipping the game on its head to win 25-16 over the Eagles and tie the match at one set apiece.

Set three was more of a back and forth affair with the Buffs jumping out to an early lead, 16-9. Reinhardt then managed to cut it to 24-23 before the Buffs closed out the set with a 25-23 win.

The fourth set was more of tricky set for the Buffs who struggled to find their groove and get over the hump, falling 19-25 in the set. The fifth and final set started with a 6-3 deficit for the Buffaloes, but a well-timed timeout by head coach Doneva Bays helped them score 12 of the final 16 points to earn the 15-10 set win and the match triumph.

Shelby Miller (17), Avery Maiden (13) and Ella Maiden (11) all had double-digit kills in the big AAC victory. Senior Zoie Larkins was otherworldly with 28 digs, which was huge in the victory for the Buffs. Kolbie Greene added 36 assists as well as 16 digs in the victory as the Buffs remain dominant, especially at Steve Lacy Fieldhouse where they have not lost a match since Milligan Mountain Madness in late August.

Milligan returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m., when they will face another AAC foe in Truett-McConnell at Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.