LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Spalding volleyball defeated St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) opponent Blackburn College at home Thursday evening in five sets.

The Golden Eagles moved to 7-11 overall and 4-4 in the SLIAC while the Beavers fell to 6-15 overall and 1-7 in the SLIAC.

TURNING POINT
Spalding jumped out to a quick 7-3 lead early in the first set thanks to a pair of kills by Halle Calbert as well as some good team defense. SU continued to build their lead, extending it as far as 19-10 in the middle of the set. Blackburn clawed their way back into the set, winning six of the next seven points to bring the score to 20-16 in favor of the home side. Despite the strong effort from the Beavers, Spalding held onto their early lead to close the set 25-21.

The second set began a little slower for the Golden Eagles, before Emily Jaggers helped lead the team on a string of six consecutive points. This helped Spalding create a 12-4 cushion from their opponents. Determined not to succumb to the Golden Eagle advantage, Blackburn again stayed competitive throughout the set. SU was able to fend off the Beavers' second set surge to take set two, 25-19. 

Spalding opened the third set with a 1-0 lead. From there, Blackburn went on a 9-0 run. Despite some solid effort from the home side, the visitors did not relinquish their lead. The Beavers took set three, 25-12.

Set four was much more competitive than its predecessor, featuring three ties within the first 10 points. A back and forth battle throughout the set, neither team was able to hold a lead of more than two points. Tied 22-22 late in the set, a Jordyn Sarver kill helped the Golden Eagles grab a slim advantage. Sarver again boosted the home squad with a kill to tie the set at 24-24. From there, Blackburn secured three of the next four points to take the fourth set 27-25. 

In the all-important fifth set, Spalding came out attacking early. After taking a 4-2 lead thanks to a Branch kill followed by a block by Sarver and Kendall Mattison, the Golden Eagles never looked back. This trio combined for eight of the necessary 15 points and led SU to victory in the fifth set, 15-9.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Jayda Branch led the Golden Eagles in both kills (28) and points (29). These were career highs for both categories for the Senior. 
• Ella Clark supported the Golden Eagle attack with 43 assists.
• Spalding's defense was led by a 20 dig-effort from Erica Jewell as well as an 18 dig-effort from both Emily Jaggers and Branch.
• The Golden Eagles outhit their opponents 0.167-0.129.

NEXT FOR SPALDING
Spalding returns to action Saturday, October 14th celebrating Future Golden Eagle Day in a SLIAC tri-match featuring Westminster College and Eureka College. First serve is set for 10 a.m.