Lions down Saints in five-set thriller at home
Nikkayla Stewart's sixth kill of the game sent the Lions home with an impressive five-set win.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (6-8, 4-4 SAC) defeated Limestone (5-7, 4-5 SAC) in five sets (25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 15-9) Tuesday evening inside Chambers Gymnasium.
Limestone won sets three and four, forcing a decisive fifth set. The Lions saved their best volleyball for the final frame, hitting a match-high .286 and knocking down 11 kills to secure their first five-set win of the season.
Despite going down 5-0 in the first set, the Lions rallied throughout, taking the first frame by a score of 25-20. Mars Hill hit .130 and posted a team-high 14 kills. The Lions dominated play in the second, hitting .191 with just four errors to go up 2-0 in the match.
With the teams tied at 23 late in the third and following a Limestone timeout, the Saints took the next two points to push the match into four sets. They hit a match-high 17 kills and team best .233 in the set.
The Saints defense forced the Lions to a .000 hitting percentage, holding the Lions to 11 kills and 11 errors on 58 swings.
Limestone was led by Josie Curran's 15 kills. Mia McMillen added 12 with 21 digs for the double-double. Chloe Ratliff led all players with eight blocks (2 BS, 6 BA).
Mars Hill's Katilyn Grant led the team with 14 kills while Timmons Yates added 12 on the night. Both hit a team-high .300. Ioana Poenaru collected the double-double with 12 kills and 22 digs.
Laela Jimenez led all players with 38 digs while Mackenzie Schmucker and Alyssa Kornegay collected 28 and 27 assists, respectively.
The Lions return to action on Friday, October 18 when they face UVA Wise. First serve is set for 6 p.m. on the road.
