SPARTANBURG, SC - The women's volleyball team moved into a tie for first in the CC West division after beating the Converse Valkyries on Saturday. The 3-1 victory moves them to 14-12 overall and 11-4 in conference play.
The Lions started the game with an ace from sophomore Gabrielle McGlamery, but the Valkyries proceeded to score five in a row. With Converse leading 7-5, the Lions put together a run of their own, scoring six straight. But another momentous streak by the Valkyries gave them an advantage the Lions couldn't surmount as Converse went on to take the first set, 25-21.
A dominate 8-1 lead was held by the Lions in set two, thanks to aces from seniors Kaitlyn Henderson and Hallie Richardson and kills from sophomores Alaina Emminger and Emily Hanson. After a pair of side outs the Valkyries scored six consecutive points, cutting the lead back to one. But more momentum found the Lions side of the court as they bounced back and increased their lead. Converse didn't go away, once again pulling within a point late in the set, 22-21. But a pair of kills from Emminger were followed with an error by the Valkyries, giving the Lions the set, 25-22.
The third set continued to see the extreme momentum shifts until the score was close again late, 18-17 Lions. However, a couple kills from senior Taylor Roberts combined with a pair from Emminger. Then McGlamery recorded a kill and Henderson an ace as the Lions cruised to victory in the third, 25-18.
The Lions and Valkyries remained close early in the fourth set until the former led by two, 11-9. Suddenly Emmanuel caught fire, propelling themselves on a 14-3 run that gave them the set in commanding fashion, 25-12.
Alaina Emminger led the way for the Lions, just one off her career-best with 18 kills. She recorded 3 digs and a block, hitting .326. Taylor Roberts followed with 10 kills and 3 blocks. Kaitlyn Henderson finished with 4 aces and 14 digs.
Next up, women's volleyball will face the Valkyries once more in back-to-back matchups. The rematch will be at home for the Lions, with first serve set for 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 2.
For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.
