Franklin Springs, GA – Tonight, the Emmanuel Women's Volleyball team hosted Augusta University in a regional matchup, but for the Lions it was more than just a game. Tonight was Block out Cancer Night, an opportunity to raise awareness and support for those who have battled, survived or remember those who lost their battle to breast cancer.
The Lions jumped out to an early lead, taking the first set 25-16. Emmanuel carried that momentum into the next two sets to earn the sweep, 25-20, 25-19. With the win, the Lions move to 17-6 on the season, 12-2 in conference.
The Lions jumped out to an early 6-3 lead in the first set on kills by
Ellie Jackson and
Natalie Wilson. Emmanuel continued on a 4-0 run with kills by
Jada Porter and
Cailin Pritchard to push their lead to 10-4. Midway through the set, a kill by
Brianna Bigelow put the Lions up 15-8 and the home team used kills by Jackson, Pritchard and Wilson to close out the set, 25-16.
The Lions carried that momentum into the 2
nd set taking an early 10-3 lead on kills by Jackson and service aces by
Madelyn Banton and
Marusa Pesut. Midway through the set, a service ace by
Isabel Miller and a kill by Wilson put the Lions up 15-8. The Jaguars rallied with an 8-0 run late in the set to cut the Lions lead to 21-20, but the Lions scored the final four points to earn the set two win, 25-20.
The third set saw the teams trade points until the Lions pulled ahead on a 6-0 run to go up 10-6. Midway through the set, a 3-0 set made up of kills by Bigelow and Jackson pushed the Lions lead to 16-11. The Jaguars cut the Lions lead to 17-15 late, but Emmanuel closed the set strong on Jackson, Bigelow, Wilson and Porter to take the set, 25-19 and the game, 3-0.
Overall, the Lions had 40 kills, 4 aces, 10 blocks, 37 assists and 50 digs.
Ellie Jackson led the way with a double-double, 14 kills and 10 digs.
Madelyn Banton had 2 aces on the night, with
Marusa Pesut dishing out 34 assists.
Cailin Pritchard had 5 blocks on the night, with
Brianna Bigelow and
Jada Porter adding 4 each. Miller had 12 digs to lead the Lions.
Next up, the Lions will host King University in conference play on Thursday at 7PM.
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.
