Three set victory over Brevard breaks volleyball’s skid

Three set victory over Brevard breaks volleyball’s skid

BREVARD, N.C. – The Carson-Newman Eagles (9-9, 4-7) snapped a three game losing streak by defeating the Brevard Tornados (4-11, 1-10) 25-18, 25-22 and 25-16 Saturday afternoon at Boshamer Gym. The victory is the second win for the Eagles away from Holt Fieldhouse this year. 

"Everyone had an opportunity to contribute to today's win," head coach Shannon Mincey said. "It certainly was nice to get a split on the weekend while on the road." 

The Eagles hit a season-best .440 as nine different players tallied at least one kill. Their previous season-high was .303 in a four set triumph over Catawba on October 4. Carson-Newman also compiled six team blocks in the match.

"Our setter/middle connection looked smoother today in transition," Mincey said. "Our squad made a nice comeback in the second set and they did well finishing the third set. Our energy from the bench was fun and excitable. We expect that our togetherness and chemistry will carry us into Tuesday night's match." 

Junior outside hitter Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) notched her tenth double-double of the season with 14 kills and ten digs. Harper clubbed a season-high .619 hitting percentage besting her previous high of .440 in the second game of the campaign against UNC Pembroke. 

Sophomore middle hitter Kiayna O'Neal (Katy, Texas) tallied her first double-digit kill performance since September 13 and third overall with ten kills and a .412 hitting percentage. 

With 39 assists, three kills and four digs, junior setter Kristen Pickett (Cleveland, Tenn.) continued her impressive run of five consecutive contests with at least 30 assists. 

Carson-Newman completes a stretch of five straight road affairs when the Eagles travel to Mars Hill for a midweek tilt against the Lions Tuesday night at 7 p.m.