Eagles pull out comeback victory, beat LMU in five sets
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (11-14, 5-11 SAC) found itself down 13-10 in the fifth set against Lincoln Memorial (19-11, 10-5 SAC) Tuesday night at Holt Fieldhouse, but Kiayna O’Neal (Katy, Texas) went on a four-point service run to help propel the to a come-from-behind five-set victory (19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 30-28, 20-18).
While O'Neal had eight kills and a .091 attack percentage, Carson-Newman head volleyball coach Shannon Mincey said the freshman has developed some poise as the season has gone along.
"Kiayna had really grown this year," Mincey said. "Now it's transpired to me utilizing her and relying on her. Who can match her energy?"
In terms of celebrations, it might be Angelle Hayes who has more energy (Brentwood, Tenn.). The senior libero leapt 30 inches into the air after Rachael Bowlin (Morristown, Tenn.) put away the match-clinching point off a Hayes set. Hayes produced 35 digs to lead all players and was among four Eagles in double-figure digs.
"Angelle is so steady and consistent for me," Mincey said. "To see her intensity every single match this year, there's many players who could have thrown in the towel, but Angelle's not one of them. To see her excitement and energy, oh my gosh!"
Two of the other players that netted double-figure digs for the Eagles also got double-doubles for their efforts. Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) led the Eagles with 19 kills to go along with her 10 digs for her fourth double-double. Meanwhile Kristen Pickett (Cleveland, Tenn.) turned in a 40 assist, 19 dig night for her team-high 11th double-double.
The Eagles out dug, out blocked and out aced the Railsplitter, but LMU did manage to out attack C-N with a .208 hit percentage to Carson-Newman's .177.
The Eagles withstood an herculean effort from LMU's Blair Fowler, who ripped a match high 25 kills with a .411 attack percentage.
However, Carson-Newman slowed Fowler's attack in the decisive fifth set, holding her to two kills and a .083 hit percentage.
Lauren Santarelli (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Emily Schultz (Atlanta, Ga.) fired 15 and 10 kills, respectively for C-N.
The Eagles conclude their regular season this weekend with two home games against Catawba Friday night and Wingate Saturday afternoon. If Carson-Newman wins both, it guarantees itself a spot in the SAC tournament.
The difficulty of the road to the tournament is dependent upon whether Anderson defeats Newberry Friday night. Should the Trojans win, the Eagles would need to win both matches this weekend to get in, but an Anderson loss would mean C-N needed one.
"The focus after we lost to L-R was that destiny was still in our hands," Mincey said. "Anderson is going to be sitting watching us to see whether we win or lose, so we are in control."
Carson-Newman continues its quest to make the SAC tournament Friday night at 7 against Catawba. Live stats and video will be available for the contest at cneagles.com.
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