FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The women's volleyball team celebrated senior night on Friday against King University.  The Lions beat the Tornado in four sets, 3-1. The victory moves Emmanuel's record to 11-11 overall and 8-3 in conference play. 

The match had important playoff seeding implications, as the Emmanuel win moved them ahead of King in the West Division of the conference and into second place. North Greenville is in first with a 10-3 record, while Emmanuel is 8-3, having played less games. 

The first set of senior night saw a series of side outs as the teams remained close in the early going. However, with the Lions leading 18-17, the Tornado went on a seven-point scoring run to suddenly get to match point. Three kills from the Lions kept their hopes alive temporarily, but it was short lived as King took the set, 25-21. 

Emmanuel bounced back in the second set, building a four point lead early on, 11-7. Then, with the Lions leading 13-12, they scored five consecutive points to start running away with it. The Tornado couldn't muster momentum of their own, so the Lions won the set, 25-20. 

The third set reflected the first as the teams battled it out but remained close. However, this time it was the Lions who made a late run. With the Tornado leading 17-16, Emmanuel scored five straight. The run led to them capturing the set, 25-19. 

Senior Aleksandra Hamuda came out swinging in the fourth set, recording four kills in the early going as the Lions built a strong advantage, 8-2. But the Tornado didn't go down without a fight. They stormed their way back until the Lions only led by one, 16-15. The teams proceeded to exchange side outs, with seniors Hamuda and Mia Cotton recording kills, along with sophomore Alaina Emminger. With Emmanuel leading 21-19, kills from Cotton and junior Gabi Reagan led to the Lions getting to match point. King scored three in a row, but it was too little too late. A final kill from Cotton gave Emmanuel the set, 25-22, and the senior night victory, 3-1. 

The Lions were led by Aleksandra Hamuda, who recorded a career-high 19 kills. She also finished with 13 digs, 3 blocks, and an ace, while hitting .250. Alaina Emminger finished with 10 kills, 4 digs, and 2 blocks. 

Senior Victoria Alexander finished with 22 digs, while senior Hallie Richardson recorded a season-best 18. Setter Gabrielle McGlamery had 43 assists and 15 digs. 

Next up, women's volleyball will face Erskine College on the road this Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00pm. 

For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.