KINGSPORT, Tenn. (Nov. 14, 2019) – The Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team upset the No. 2 seed, Point University (24-9, 19-2 AAC), in four sets (25-23, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22) on Thursday afternoon to advance to the semifinals in the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament. The Lady Bears improved to 18-18, 12-9 AAC on the year. Most notable, the Skyhawks have only two losses on their AAC schedule this season and both were to Reinhardt University, the back-to-back AAC regular season champions who remain undefeated in the AAC.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lady Bears started out the first set on a strong 7-2 run. In fact, the Skyhawks didn't tie it up until 15 apiece. While both teams went neck and neck the rest of the way, a Ranavia Neal kill and Point attacking error handed TMU their first win of the match (25-23). The second set saw the teams tied up again 23-23, and another Point attacking error and Madison Curtis kill put the Lady Bears up 2-0 in the match (25-23).
 
After 10-10 in the third set, the Skyhawks pulled out front for good to earn their lone win of the day (19-25). However, the Lady Bears rallied to pull off the upset in the fourth set. A Harris Anne Walker and Curtis kill put TMU out front by two (10-8) and it was only up from there. After leading by as many as five points, the Skyhawks came back within a point (22-21) but Curtis's kill gave them a two-point cushion and a Bethany Ross kill put them in winning position (24-22). Another clutch Curtis kill in the end fastened the upset over the AAC regular season runner-up team.
 
LEADERS
Abby Maxwell, an All-AAC first team member, and Ross recorded their second straight double-doubles of the tournament. Maxwell was credited 45 assists and had 16 digs, while Ross recorded 14 kills and 14 digs. Curtis, however, led the offense with a career high of 17 kills. Hannah Lee led the defense with 22 digs and Audrey Henderson added nine kills.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears are set to face the winner of the No. 3 Miligan College vs. No. 6 Montreat College game. The match will take place Friday, Nov. 15, at 6:00 p.m.