MOUNT OLIVE, NC - The women's volleyball team played their final regular-season road match of the season against the Mount Olive Trojans on Saturday afternoon. The Trojans defeated the Lions, 3-1, moving Emmanuel's record to 15-13 overall and 12-5 in conference play. After entering the match tied for first in the West Division, the Lions are now all-but-guaranteed a two seed in the conference tournament. North Greenville is sitting on top at 13-4, while King is behind the Lions at 10-7.
With the score tied at 6 early in the first set, the Lions scored seven consecutive times to take a commanding lead. The run featured a kill from sophomore Emily Hanson and an ace from senior Kaitlyn Henderson, while sophomore Alaina Emminger recorded an impressive five kills. The Trojans were unable to get much going before another kill by Emminger and ace from Henderson gave the Lions the set in dominate fashion, 25-13.
The second set was much closer throughout as the Trojans began looking like an entirely different team than they were in the first. Mount Olive eventually pulled away, 20-15. The Lions made a last ditch effort to remain in the set, but it wasn't enough as the Trojans took it, 25-22.
Mount Olive led 9-8 early in the third before going on a 9-2 run that put them completely in control. With the score 24-17, Emmanuel scored five in row. However, the miracle comeback wasn't meant to be as the Trojans took the set, 25-22.
Emmanuel continued to struggle in the fourth, unable to find any form reminiscent of the opening set as the Trojans pulled away, 11-6. However, a fantastic 6 kill run by senior Aleksandra Hamuda pulled the set even, 14-14. With both teams at 16, Mount Olive caught fire once again, scoring five straight. The Lions were unable to recover as the Trojans took the set, 25-18, and the match, 3-1.
The outside hitters were a bright spot for the Lions, combining for 31 kills. After scoring 9 times in the first set alone, Alaina Emminger finished with 16 kills, 5 digs, and a pair of blocks. Aleksandra Hamuda recorded 15 kills, 10 digs, and a block.
Kaitlyn Henderson continued her impressive season from the service line, totaling three aces.
Next up, women's volleyball will host Young Harris College for a non-conference matchup on Tuesday, November 16 at 6:00pm.
For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.
