Johnson, Lions defeat Cavaliers on Senior Day

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (12-10, 9-6 SAC) swept UVa-Wise (1-19, 0-15 SAC) Saturday afternoon on Senior Day.

Prior the start of the contest, Sally Anne Johnson was recognized for her career at the Hill.  Johnson knocked down 10 kills and six blocks on the day.  Her six blocks moved her into sole possession of second place in Mars Hill history for most career blocks (357).

A back-and-forth affair in the first set saw the Lions pull away late in the frame.  Following the Cavaliers second timeout of the first, an attack error gave the Lions the 1-0 lead.  

Midway through the second set, the Lions held a five-point advantage before the Cavaliers reeled off six of the next seven points to tie the match late.  A timeout late in the stanza by the Lions allowed the team to regroup and battle to earn the second set, going up 2-0.

Johnson, who had two blocks entering the third set, recorded four, surpassing Tasha Painter for second all-time.  Sarah Goddard recorded five of her game-high 13 kills in the final frame to give the Lions the weekend sweep of South Atlantic Conference opponents.

Kelsey Green led the Cavaliers with 14 kills while Zoe Avery collected 26 assists and 13 digs for the double-double.  Mogran Milligan led UVa-Wise with 16 digs.

Goddard added 16 digs for her double-double, her second in as many games.  Ully Martins led all players with 28 digs while Sara Pasour had a team-high 20 assists.

The Lions host Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday, October 29 to conclude a four-game homestand.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.