Williamsburg, KY – The UC Volleyball team pulled an upset on Friday over the Bulldogs of Union College who are currently receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Poll with a 3-0 win (25-14, 25-19, 26-24). With the win Cumberlands improves to 8-8, while Union goes to 19-5.
The Patriots took charge in the first set early with a 5-1 lead. Union mustered a short rally but UC continued to dominate, moving up the lead to 13-6. Cumberlands managed to move the lead up to 20-11, then the Bulldogs went on a three point run to shorten the UC lead to 20-14. The Patriots then rallied for five straight points to win the set 25-14.
In the second set, UC came out on top early for another 5-1 lead. The Patriots would push their lead to 12-5, but the Bulldogs took the next six points to bring the score close at 12-11. Cumberlands returned their own four point rally to extend the lead to 16-11. Union was able to bring the match close again at 18-16, and just like before UC extended their lead to 21-16. The Bulldogs couldn't come back as the Patriots continued on to take the second set 25-19.
The Bulldogs came out strong in the third set with a quick 5-2 lead, but UC quickly closed the gap to 7-6. Union slowly built their lead up to 18-11, however the Patriots didn't back down and brought the score within three at 20-17. The Bulldogs again extended their lead away from the reach of UC at 23-18. With the set on the line, the Patriots went on a five point terror to tie up the match at 23-23. Union took the next point to move up 24-23, and just like before UC went on rally for the next three points to win the match and set 26-24.
Mackenzie Koch led the team with 14 kills while
Jessica Severs had 12 of her own.
Megan Willoughby had three blocks (two assisted and one solo),
Abbie Genders recorded two assisted.
Lynsey Short gathered 32 assists in the match.
Tara Routliffe tallied 21 digs as Willoughby had 14.
The Patriots will be back on the court for a MSC match on Tuesday, October 3 in Williamsburg, KY. UC will take on the Bears of Shawnee State. First serve is set for 6 pm.
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