Lions split weekend SAC series, fall to Queens

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (2-3, 1-1 SAC) fell in straight sets to Queens (5-1, 2-0 SAC) Saturday afternoon inside Chambers Gymnasium.

The Lions trailed 20-12 late in the first until a 10-2 run knotted the set up at 22.  During the run, Grace Lilly had two kills while Queens recorded three attack errors.  The teams remained tied until the 25-25 mark where back-to-back kills by Logan Witt and Casey Tarvin led the Royals past Mars Hill to take the 1-0 advantage heading into the second set.  Witt and Anna McLain each had five kills in the stanza.

Errors plagued the Lions in the second set, hitting 13 in the frame and a game-low -.104.  Queens took advantage and reeled off several four-point runs to take the set 25-12 and 2-0 lead heading into the final frame.

Mars Hill held an 11-9 lead in the third until a 4-0 run by the Royals gave Queens the lead, one they would not relinquish for the remainder of the contest.  The Lions battled often, pulling within four points on numerous occasions, but errors and precise hits by Tarvin allowed the Royals to complete the sweep for their fifth win of the season.

Tarvin led all players with 10 kills and collected the double-double with 14 digs.  Mallory Swarts led all players with 30 assists.

Lilly led the Lions with nine kills on the night, followed by Sally Anne Johnson's seven.  Lauren Phillips led all players with 20 digs while Jordan Schmucker had 12 assists.  

The Lions host Carson-Newman on Tuesday, September 17th to conclude their three-game SAC homestand.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.