LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Spalding women's volleyball team defeated SLIAC opponent Principia in their home opener on Tuesday. Spalding won in straight sets, 25-11, 25-22, and 25-6.
With the win, Spalding moved to 3-5 (1-0 SLIAC) on the season, while the Panthers fell to 0-2 (0-1 SLIAC).
TURNING POINT
Before the game began, a special moment of celebration commenced for graduate student
Jayda Branch in honor of her hitting the 1,000 career kills mark earlier this season. To start the game, Spalding got out to a quick 4-1 lead, thanks to a sandwich of kills from
Abigail Ratts and Branch. The Golden Eagles did not look back from there, maintaining a strong lead through the set. Another kill from Ratts made the score 15-11 in favor of SU, who then went on a 10 point scoring streak to end the set. Spalding took the first set, 25-11.
The Golden Eagles opened the second set the same way they ended the first, taking a quick 9-0 lead. Later in the set,
Presley Hagan scored a kill off an
Ella Clark assist to make the score 16-4. Clark extended the lead to 20-9 with a kill of her own and SU saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Principia put the pedal to the metal though, scoring nine straight points to bring the set to 20-18 in favor of SU. Despite the Panther scare, Spalding closed out the second set, winning 25-22.
Spalding got off to another quick start in the third set, jumping out to a 10-1 lead.
Brooks Watson extended the lead to 14-2 with a service ace.
Jordyn Sarver kept the momentum rolling for SU with a kill to push the lead to 21-5. Ratts ended the night with her 11th kill of the match, a season-high for her. The Golden Eagles closed out the set and the match, 25-6.
GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES
- Ella Clark had 22 assists and 8 kills.
- Abigail Ratts led the Golden Eagles with 11 kills and 4 blocks.
- Spalding tallied more points, kills, assists, blocks, and digs.
NEXT FOR SPALDING
The Golden Eagles hit the road this weekend as they travel to Batesville, Arkansas. Spalding will take on SLIAC opponents Webster and Lyon on Saturday, September 21st. Games will start at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
