CLEVELAND, Ga. (October 9, 2021) - The Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team competed Saturday, inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena, where they faced AAC opponent St. Andrews University. The Lady Bears lost in a heartbreaking five sets (25-16, 23-25, 25-22, 16-25, 13-15). The Lady Bears fell to a record of 9-14, 5-7 AAC, while the Knights rose to a record of 6-19, 6-6 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY

In the first set, the Lady Bears were hot out of the gate. A kill from Jordan Roberts sparked a two point rally, then two kills from Ranavia Neal sparked a three point rally. The Knights would not settle and rallied for three points of their own. That did not discourage the Lady Bears as they continued with kills from Neal, Elizabeth Franklin and an ace from Morgan Cox. Ultimately, a kill from Sonya Silecky gave the Lady Bears a 25-16 first set victory. In the second set, the Lady Bears struck first with a kill from Bethany Ross. Kills from Neal, Franklin, Virginia Hudson and Jordan Roberts kept TMU in the game, but ultimately fell short 23-25. In the third set, the Lady Bears were first to score again, but thw Knights were not dismayed and struck with four points of their own. An ace from Rachel Kessler and a kill from Neal put the Lady Bears back in the  game, tying up the score . Kills from Roberts and Kessler gave TMU the lead, and a kill from Katie Williamson and Franklin gave the Lady Bears a 25-22 victory. 

In the fourth set, TMU was first to strike again, but SAU continued to strike. A kill from Neal and Hudson attempted to put the Lady Bears back in the game. A six point rally, featuring a kill from Franklin and an ace from Kessler put TMU within points of the Knights. TMU was unable the make a comeback, losing set four with a score of 16-25. In the fifth and final set, the Knights struck first, but a kill from Roberts and Neal sparked hope. A three point rally triggered by a kill from Franklin allowed TMU to close the gap. Another four point rally tied the game at 12, but the Lady Bears could not seal the deal, faking 15-13. 

LEADERS

Neal led the way with 16 kills and six digs on the day, while Franklin following with 12 kills. Kessler had an impressive 21 digs, followed by Silecky and Dunn with 14 of their own. Roberts recorded ten kills and four digs.

UP NEXT

The Lady Bears will travel to face AAC opponent Point University, with a match time set for 6:30 p.m.