Johnson knocks down 15 kills versus Anderson

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (6-5, 5-3 SAC) fell in four sets to Anderson (8-2, 6-1 SAC) Saturday evening.

Tied at 12 in the first set, the Lions were able to break free, going on a 4-0 run forcing Anderson to call a timeout.  The Trojans responded by taking six of the next seven points to go up 18-17 late.  A kill by Grace Lilly turned the momentum back to Mars Hill's side as they closed out the set on an 8-3 run, highlighted by seven Trojan attack errors.

Anderson responded by taking the second set.  Tied at 19, Anderson took two points in a row, but the Lions answered back to tie the game at 21.  The Trojans, following their second timeout of the set, reeled off four straight points to close out the frame.

Finding themselves down 16-14 in the third set, Mars Hill's Makaila Vang dropped two aces in a row following an Anderson service error to take the lead late.  The Trojans responded by taking six of the next eight points to take a 22-19 lead late in the frame.  Mars Hill battled to tie the game at 23, however, a block by Noelle Knutsen and Emily Conlin, followed by a Conlin kill gave the Trojans a 2-1 advantage heading into the fourth.

Anderson dictated play in the fourth, including an 8-0 run early to lead 15-6 in the frame.  The Trojans outhit Mars Hill .263 to .059 in the final frame.

Four Trojans recorded double-digit kills, led by Regan Duty's 16 on the day.  Hailee Wilheim added 15 followed by Knutsen's 14 kills.  Conlin led all players with 54 assists.

The reigning South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week Sally Anne Johnson led the Lions with 15 kills and hit a game-high .433.  Lilly added 10 kills while Lauren Phillips recorded nine kills.  Ully Martins led the Lions with 23 digs while Phillips added 22 on the day.

Mars Hill takes to the road on Friday, October 4th when they take on the SAC leading Wingate Bulldogs.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.