Pikeville, KY – UC Volleyball continued their winning ways as they defeated the Bears of University of Pikeville 3-1. The Patriots earned the victory by scores of 25-18, 21-25, 25-14, 25-14. With the win, Cumberlands improves to 14-15 overall and 6-7 in conference while the Bears drop to 9-20 on the year and 1-12 in MSC play.
In the first set, each team battled for the lead until Pikeville took five straight to go ahead 7-2. Slowly the Patriots chipped away at the lead until it was tied up at 10-10. Each team exchanged the lead as the Bears took a 15-13 then UC scored six points in a row for the 19-15 lead. The Patriots increased the lead to 23-17 before taking the final two of three for the 25-18 first set victory.
The second set started in the Bears' favor as they took an 8-4 lead, but the momentum shifted as UC tied the set at 12-12. From there Pikeville continued to hold the advantage until the Patriots took control at 19-18. However, Pikeville bounced back with a six point rally to steal the lead at 24-19. After Cumberlands shortened the deficit to 24-21, the Bears scored the final point to win the second set 25-21.
Cumberlands put up the fight early in the third set in the form of a 9-5 lead then increased the lead further to 15-8. The Bears slightly shortened the lead to 16-11 although it was extended further as UC took eight straight for the 24-12 lead. Pikeville didn't muster much of a comeback for the Patriots to win the third set 25-14.
Neither team wanted to give up the lead to start the fourth set with it tied at 8-8. The Patriots made the first move and went on a four point run to take the 12-8 lead. Pikeville slowly cut the lead 17-14, except Cumberlands recorded the final eight points, winning the match and set 25-14.
Megan Jackson led the offense with 15 kills as
Jessica Severs was just behind with 11 of her own. Jackson also chipped in four blocks (two solo and two assisted) while
Abbie Genders tallied three assisted blocks.
Lynsey Short had 38 assists in the match. Severs recorded three service aces and
Jennifer Stein took two.
Tara Routliffe led with 19 digs,
Megan Willoughby earned 12, and Stein with 11.
The Patriots will head to Portsmouth, OH, for their final regular season match on Saturday, November 4. UC will take on MSC rival Shawnee State University. In the most recent match between the two on October 3, Cumberlands took the win in three sets. First serve on Saturday is set for 2 PM.
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