Franklin Springs, GA – The Emmanuel Women's Volleyball team hosted Georgia College & State University in regional action tonight. The Lions got off to a strong start, taking the first set 25-20. The Bobcats responded well to take set two, 25-20, but the Lions controlled the game the rest of the way winning sets three and four, 26-24, 25-14. With the win, the Lions improve to 18-9 on the season, 14-1 in conference play. 

The first set saw the two teams trade points and the lead, until a 4-0 run gave the Lions a 9-6 advantage. A 3-0 run including a kill by Jocelyn Martin would push the Lions lead to 17-12 midway through the set. The Bobcats would get within a point of the lead, 17-16, but the Lions would close out the set strong to win it, 25-20. 

The Bobcats answered by taking an early 9-4 lead in set two. Midway through the set, Georgia College extended their lead to 14-7. The Lions responded to bring the set to 20-15, but the Bobcats would hold off the home team to take the set, 25-20. 

Set three was competitive from the start. The Lions took an early 3-0 lead, but the Bobcats quickly tied it at 6-6. Emmanuel responded with a 5-0 run, including three kills by Ellie Jackson and an ace by Cailin Pritchard to make it 11-6. The Lions held onto the lead until a 6-0 run by the Bobcats would give Georgia College an 18-16 edge. The Lions retook the lead, 20-19 on an ace by Pritchard, and the two teams would battle the rest of the way with the Lions taking the set on back-to-back kills by Emily Hanson and Alaina Emminger. 

In the fourth set, the Lions jumped out to a 4-0 lead, quickly pushing their lead to 11-3. A 6-0 run midway through the set would give the Lions a 20-5 lead, and they'd control the set the rest of the way to take it 25-14 and earn a 3-1 victory over the Bobcats.

Overall, the Lions had 61 kills, 9 aces, 5 blocks, 54 assists and 66 digs. 

Ellie Jackson led the way with a double-double of 20 kills and 20 digs. Emily Hanson (11) and Alaina Emminger (10) each had double digit kills on the night. 

Cailin Pritchard led the way with 3 service aces on the night, while Amore Marshall and Morgan Brice each contributed 2. Emminger and Brianna Bigelow both had 3 blocks for the Lions.

Sami Gambill led the way with 22 assists, while Jackson's 20 digs led the team, with Marshall (13) and Asia Queen (11) each had double digit digs. 

Next up, the Lions will host Young Harris on Friday at 2PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.