COLUMBIA, S.C. (October 26, 2021) - The Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team traveled Tuesday to face Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, Columbia College, where the Lady Bears played competed in four hard-fought sets (22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26), ultimately falling short by slim margins. TMU fell to a record of 10-19, 6-11 AAC, while the Koalas rose to a record of 3-20, 1-17 AAC.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Lady Bears started the first set with two kills from Bethany Ross and a service ace from Jordan Roberts to lead by four. The Koalas were resilient with a six-point rally of their own. A late four-point from kills by Virginia Hudson, Ross and Ranavia Neal, brought TMU closer to bridging the gap. Another four-point rally brought the Lady Bears within one, ultimately falling short 22-25. In the second set, the Lady Bears had a four-point rally, with kills from Ross and Roberts. Both teams went back and forth, until two four-point rallies put TMU up 18-10. A late strike from the Koalas brought brought the lead within reach. A final kill from Elizabeth Franklin was not enough to muster a win, as TMU fell in set two (23-25).
 
In the third set, a kill from Roberts and Neal sparked the Lady Bears. A six-point rally, with kills from Neal and Katie Williamson, along with two service aces from Morgan Cox, gave TMU a four-point lead over the Koalas. TMU continued to strike with kills from Williamson and Hudson, along with service aces from Taylor Roland and Cox. Ultimately, a kill from Hudson gave TMU a 25-22 victory. In the fourth set, Roberts and Neal started with a kill apiece. Both teams were neck and neck throughout the entire set. A four-point rally gave TMU a two-point advantage. Two kills from Roberts tied the game once again, but the Lady Bears were unable to pull through as they lost 24-26.
 
LEADERS
Roberts led the way with 12 kills on the evening, followed by Williamson with 11 kills and Neal with ten kills. Deomi Valmus had an impressive 27 digs, followed by Sonya Silecky with 12 digs and Madyson Dunn with 10 digs. Cox had four service aces and 23 assists.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears return inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena Friday, Oct. 29, against AAC opponent, Johnson University, with a match time set for 6:30 p.m.