Mars Hill defeats Limestone in thrilling season finale

GAFFNEY, S.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (18-8, 13-5 SAC) closed out the regular season with a four-set victory (25-22, 25-18, 15-25, 29-27) over Limestone (10-11, 7-11 SAC) Friday night on the road.

Mars Hill posted 19 kills in the first set, hitting .327 in the frame. Sarah Goddard notched eight kills on 16 swings, hitting .500 in the set while Timmons Yates added five kills.

Both Goddard and Grace Lilly recorded four kills apiece in the second, leading the Lions to a 2-0 lead entering the third set. The team hit .250 in the frame.

Limestone responded in the third set, hitting .348 and claiming the set by 10 points. Mia McMillen led the way with seven kills while Leilani Wilcox Nanai added six. 

Mars Hill trailed late in the fourth, facing match point. They rallied to force extra play in the frame, however, the Saints fended off three match points to extend the contest. Back-to-back kills from Lilly and Goddard sealed the Lions' 18th win of the season.

Limestone outhit the Lions .195 to .184 and recorded 63 kills to Mars Hill's 56 on the night. Goddard and Wilcox Nanai led their respective teams with 19 kills. 

Jana Cuk added 10 kills on the night while Jordan Schmucker collected a double-double with 40 assists and a team-high 23 digs. Goddard added 21 digs while Laela Jimenez notched 20 on the night. Nikkayla Stewart led the team with five blocks (1 BS, 4 BA).

The Lions will host South Atlantic Conference Quarterfinal action on Monday, November 7 inside Chambers Gymnasium. Mars Hill's opponent is still to be determined.