Mars Hill advances to SAC Semifinals with straight sets win over C-N
The Lions advance to SAC Semifinals for first time since 2011.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (17-9, 13-5 SAC) defeated Carson-Newman (16-11, 12-6 SAC) in straight sets in the South Atlantic Conference Quarterfinals, played inside Chambers Gymnasium Tuesday night.
The Lions, the No. 4 seed in the tournament, hosted for the first time since 2021 and advanced t the SAC Semifinals for the first time since 2011.
Mars Hill opened the match on a 6-0 run and controlled play inside a raucous home court, outhitting the Eagles .222-.068, knocking down 12 kills in the frame.
The Eagles held the advantage for most of the second, but an offensive surge by Ioana Poenaru late in the set pushed the Lions ahead, taking the frame 25-22 while knocking down a match-high 18 kills.
A tense third set saw the Lions pull away late once again, securing the win off of a service error by the Eagles. Carson-Newman hit a team-high .178 with 16 kills, but the Lions' offense overwhelmed, as they hit a match-high .308 with 14 kills and just two errors on 39 swings.
Skylar Ogden led all players with 12 kills, hitting .435 on the night. Poenaru ended the contest with nine kills and 15 digs, adding three blocks. Nikkayla Stewart had five kills on eight swings and led the Lions with five blocks.
Five Lions recorded double-digit digs, led by Laela Jimenez's 16 on the night. Mackenzie Schmucker and Alyssa Kornegay each posted double-doubles. Schmucker had 13 digs and 12 assists while Kornegay led the Lions with 22 assists and 10 digs.
Mars Hill advances to the SAC Semifinals where they'll face the No. 1 seed Wingate Bulldogs. First serve at the Rock Hill Sports & Events Center is set for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 21.
