FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The women's volleyball team defeated North Greenville University on Thursday night. The 3-0 win over the Crusaders moves Emmanuel's record to 12-12 (9-4 CC). The win was huge with regards to playoff seeding, as NGU is currently first in the standings (CC West Division), while the Lions were third entering the night. The victory puts Emmanuel just one win behind NGU, who is now 10-4.
The match began with a service ace from senior Kaitlyn Henderson, her 39th of the season. She would go on to add two more throughout the night, moving her total to 41. After sideouts for both teams, senior Hallie Richardson recorded back-to-back aces of her own, giving the Lions an early lead. The Lions proceeded to build a dominate advantage, 19-13. The solid play continued for Emmanuel as they scored five straight, including yet another ace, this time from senior Aleksandra Hamuda. The Crusaders scored twice more, but junior Gabi Reagan finished off the dominate set with a kill as the Lions took it, 25-15.
The second set was a strong one for sophomore Alaina Emminger and seniors Taylor Roberts and Aleksandra Hamuda. The three players combined for 14 kills. However, the Crusaders were swinging well themselves, leading to the score being tied at 20. But a pair of kills from Roberts and errors by NGU led to Emmanuel taking the set, 25-22.
The Crusaders claimed their largest lead of the night early in the third set, 8-4. But the Lions suddenly started raining down kills on the Crusaders as they cruised to a 16-3 run. However, NGU didn't go down without a fight. With the Lions leading 23-15, the Crusaders put up six consecutive points, keeping their hopes alive. But a kill from sophomore Emily Hanson was followed by the 11th of the night for Emminger, giving Emmanuel the set, 25-21, and the match, 3-0.
Taylor Roberts led the way for the Lions, recording 12 kills and an eye-popping hitting percentage of .476. She also finished with 5 blocks. Alaina Emminger followed with 11 kills and 4 blocks, hitting .308. Aleksandra Hamuda had 10 kills, 8 digs, 4 blocks, and an ace.
It was a good night at the service line for the Lions. Kaitlyn Henderson and Hallie Richardson each recorded 3 aces, while sophomore Gabrielle McGlamery had 2.
Next up, women's volleyball hits the road for back-to-back matches on Friday and Saturday. First up is Lees-McRae tomorrow night (October 29) with first serve slated for 7:00pm.
For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.
