CLEVELAND, Ga. (October 18, 2024) - On Friday, the Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, Johnson University, where the Lady Bears battle the Royals through five grueling sets ultimately falling short, 3-2 (23-25, 27-25, 25-19, 23-25, 11-15). TMU falls to an overall record of 10-13, 7-6 AAC. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY
Set one saw the Lady Bears first to score with a kill by Faith Clarkson. Both teams, battled early for the lead, with the Lady Bears ultimately taking charge with kills by Katie Williams, Jordan Roberts, and Caroline Yeager. A six-point rally by the Royals ultimately allowed JU to push ahead of TMU, taking set one, 25-23. In set two, JU found their place on the board first, with TMU quickly responding with a block assist by Williams and Elizabeth Franklin, and a service ace by Kaleigh McFarland. Once again, both teams went head to head eager to leave the other one behind, when a five point rally by TMU gave the Lady Bears a small lead. JU put up a fight but ultimately couldn't take away from a set two Lady Bears win, 27-25. 

A kill by Sameily Marquez began set three, putting TMU up first. A four point rally by the Lady Bears, featuring three blocks by Franklin, gave TMU hope as both teams looked for the win. A final kill by Franklin ultimately gave the Lady Bears what was needed to take set three, 25-19. In set four, the Lady Bears suffered the same fate as set one. Despite recording 13 kills the Royals managed to increase their chances, ultimately forcing a fifth set, 25-23. In the final set, TMU gave it their all as kills by Williams, Roberts, Franklin and Marquez kept the Lady Bears and Royals even. A last chance block assist by Frankin and Clarkson gave TMU hope at taking the match, but was ultimately not enough, falling in set five 15-11.

LEADERS
Clarkson led the way with 13 kills and five block assists. Franklin followed with eight kills, five solo blocks, and four block assists, while Roberts tallied 10 kills and three block assists. Williams was featured recording 10 kills and a serving ace, Marquez had nine kills. Emma Boland recorded 24 assists and 22 digs on the evening, while Deomi Valmus had two serving aces and 27 digs. 

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears will be back in action on Saturday, October 19 as they host AAC opponent Union College inside the Harris Athletic Complex. Match time set for 11:00 a.m.