Miller Reaches 1,000 Career Kills in Five-Set Victory over TMU

MILLIGAN, Tenn. – The Milligan University volleyball team overcame a slow start to push their winning streak to 12 after a five-set victory over Truett-McConnell on Saturday. The Buffs stayed dominant at home in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play by defeating the Bears (19-25, 25-18, 15-25, 25-12, 15-13).

Milligan fell behind early in the first set and were unable to overcome the deficit, ultimately falling 19-25. One major bright spot for the Buffs during that set was that Shelby Miller celebrated her 1,000th kill in her four-year career. 

Shelby has been a major piece for the Buffs throughout her career. She has 344 kills on the season, which leads the team. The junior from nearby Erwin was joined by her teammates and coaches to celebrate the accomplishment. 

Set two was what the Buffs were expecting, considering their win streak and dominance at home, handling the bears 25-18. 

The third and fourth set were up and down for both teams as the Buffs continued their first set struggles again in the third falling 15-25. The Buffs would then go back on the attack in the fourth set and controlled play from start to finish, winning 25-12. 

The fifth, and final, set favired the Buffs early as they jumped out to a 6-3 lead. Then, TMU was able to battle back to make it 14-13 before the Buffs snuffed out the threat to take the victory, 15-13. 

Shelby Miller (17), Ella Maiden (16) and Sierra Still (8) led the Buffs in the AAC victory. Kolbie Greene had another dominant performance as a table-setter with 40 assists. Zoie Larkins led the way again for the Buffs with 19 digs. Milligan's blocking was outlandish in the five-set win, as E. Maiden led the charge with three solo blocks and six block assists. Addison Varney added one solo stuff and three assists, while Greene provided five block assists, as well.

The Buffs will finish their regular season at home on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 6:30pm when they will face in-state AAC foe Tennessee Wesleyan.