PIKEVILLE, Ky. (November 1, 2024) - On Friday, the Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team traveled to compete in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up against the University of Pikeville where the Lady Bears suffered a tough loss after a five set battle, 3-2 (25-20, 22-25, 20-25, 26-24, 9-15). TMU falls to an overall record of 12-16, 9-9 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
Set one saw UPike first on the board. The Lady Bears quickly responded with kills by Katie Williams, Faith Clarkson and Jordan Roberts, making the set even. Both teams battled, when a late six-point rally by the opposing team threatened the set's outcome. A final four-point rally by TMU ultimately proved the Lady Bears victorious in set one, featuring kills by Sameily Marquez and Claudia Yates (25-20). In set two, TMU was first up with kills by Lacey Garcia and Clarkson leading the way. A seven-point rally by UPike, once again put the Bears in the lead as TMU fought to recover. A last chance effort at set point attempted to bridge the gap on the board, but was unable to change the outcome, falling in set two, 22-25. In set three, the Lady Bears made their mark early with kills by Marquez and Williams, paired with a service ace by Deomi Valmus. Both teams faced off, eager to earn the win in set three, when UPike pulled off a crucial four-point rally to put the opposing team on top, 20-25.

In set four, the Lady Bears showed their grit, battling the home team eager to force a fifth set. Block assists by Elizabeth Franklin, Clarkson and Williams, gave TMU an edge over UPike, allowing the Lady Bears to pull ahead by four. A last minute five-point rally by UPike attempted to disrupt the Lady Bears lead, but was once again unsuccessful as a final serving ace by Emma Boland secured set four, 26-24. An early five-point rally by TMU in set five gave the Lady Bears hope at bouncing back with a match win, but seven consecutive points by the home team ultimately stole the Lady Bears chances, falling in five, 9-15. 

LEADERS
Williams led the way with 13 kills and a block assist. Marquez followed with nine kills and two block assists, while Roberts and Clarkson tallied eight kills a piece. Franklin was featured recording four block assists and one solo block, while Boland had 21 assists on the evening.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears will be back in action on Saturday, November 2, as they travel to face Milligan University for an AAC match-up. Match time set for 11:00 a.m.