Four Lions record double-digit kills in contest versus Bears

HICKORY, N.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (5-4, 4-2 SAC) was defeated 3-1 on the road versus Lenoir-Rhyne (8-2, 4-2 SAC) Tuesday evening.

The Lions led 23-22 late in the first set, but the Bears took the final three points of the set to go up 1-0 heading into the second.  It was only their second lead of the frame.

Mars Hill answered back in the second, knotting the game up at one-all after taking down Lenoir-Rhyne by a score of 25-17.  Tied at seven early in the set, the Lions reeled off eight straight points, including three kills by Grace Lilly, to go up 15-7 midway through.  As the Bears began to claw back into the contest, pulling within four, the Lions took the final five points of the set, four of which were attack errors on Lenoir-Rhyne.

A tightly contest third set saw the Bears pull away midway through.  Trailing 14-12, the Bears took seven of the next nine points to lead 19-15.  Mars Hill was able to pull within three, but kills from Taylor Prall and Jackie Denny gave Lenoir-Rhyne the 2-1 edge going into the fourth.

Prall continued to pace the Lenoir-Rhyne offense in the final set, recording 12 of her game-high 30 kills in the fourth, including the final three Bears' points.  Prall ended the game with a double-double, collecting 22 digs. 

Alexis Ivey recorded 13 blocks (three solo, 10 assisted) while Helen Hamilton led all players with 29 assists.

Sarah Goddard led a balanced Lions' attack with 13 kills.  Lauren Phillips added 12, Sally Anne Johnson with 11, and Grace Lilly chipped in with 10 on the night.  Jordan Schmucker led the team with 27 assists while Phillips had a team-high 20 digs.

The Lions return home on Friday, September 27th when they take on Newberry.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.