ANDERSON, S.C. – Behind stellar serving on the night, the Anderson University volleyball team opened a four-match homestand by blanking Emmanuel, 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-19) in nonconference action Tuesday night at the Abney Athletic Center.
"That's a good bounce-back win for us as we begin our homestand," said Anderson head coach Todd Hay. "Even though it wasn't a perfect match, we are seeing some of the things we need to correct be corrected. Our serving was a big difference for us tonight and we hope to carry that momentum into Friday night's match. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the team."
Anderson (13-3) has won 10 of its last 11 outings, while Emmanuel (9-9) saw its win streak halted at four.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Sophomore Maya Learmonth led the Trojans with eight kills, while senior Hailee Wilhelm and junior Kaitlyn Grube each added seven kills apiece. Wilhelm also notched two solo blocks and a pair of block assists. Senior Emily Conlin led all players with 29 assists and recorded three service aces, while freshman Lindsay McCurley came up with a match-high 11 digs. Junior Christina Stacy tallied four aces, with sophomore Meghan DeVaux adding three aces.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
The Trojans scored the first four points of the opening frame, but the lead evaporated quickly, as Emmanuel countered with five unanswered points of its own to take a brief lead.
The set featured 11 ties, including five deadlocks before DeVaux's serves sparked a short run that saw AU push out to a 14-10 edge – the largest lead by either team in the opening set.
But the Lions stayed within striking distance and the score was tied four more times before Emmanuel gained a two-point lead three times late in the set.
With AU trailing 23-21, Wilhelm knocked down her second kill of the night and Conlin followed with her third ace to knot the score at 23 apiece. A kill from Emmanuel's Jenna Woodruff put the Lions on the cusp of claiming the opening set, but Learmonth, Regan Duty and Wilhelm answered with consecutive kills to give AU the win.
Second Set
A solo block by Learmonth triggered an early run by the Black and Gold, as the Trojans pushed out to a double-digit, 15-5, advantage.
After the early push, which was fueled by 10 consecutive serves from DeVaux, Emmanuel climbed within seven points on three occasions, but was unable to get any closer.
Third Set
AU again truck early and built a quick 11-3 advantage on the strength of Stacy's serves, which included three aces.
The Trojans crept out to a double-digit lead twice and the Lions could get no closer than seven down the stretch.
ANDERSON STAT OF THE NIGHT
The 13 services aces were the second-highest of the season – AU notched 18 aces in the four-set win at Newberry in mid-September.
NOTABLES
• The Trojans stretched their home win streak to 32 consecutive matches.
• AU improved to 4-1 against nonconference opponents this season.
UP NEXT
Anderson will begin the second half of its double round-robin South Atlantic Conference schedule, when the Trojans welcome Lenoir-Rhyne to the Abney Athletic Center. First-serve versus the Bears is scheduled for 7 p.m.