VIDEO: Dan Ahiers Interivew

VIDEO: Kyrie Pennington Interview

VIDEO: Match Highlights

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman Eagles (11-3, 7-0 South Atlantic Conference) matched their win total in league play from 2013 with a three-set win over the Coker Cobras (3-11, 0-7 SAC) 25-14, 25-20 and 25-16 Friday night at Holt Fieldhouse.

With the victory, Carson-Newman has won seven straight, its longest winning streak since an eight-game winning streak in 2009.

"What I really liked was no matter which set it was, all three sets we closed out very strong," head coach Dan Ahiers said. "I really liked the dominance of my team late in sets."

The home team wasted no time out of the gates winning nine of the first 12 points before closing out the initial frame. Senior outside hitter Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) led the way with five kills while senior setter Kristen Pickett (Cleveland, Tenn.) had 15 assists.

The second set was the most hotly contested frame featuring 11 ties and four lead changes. The score was tied at 19, but with junior middle blocker Kiayna O'Neal (Katy, Texas) on serve, the Eagles won six of the last seven points. Senior middle blocker Jenna Wilson (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) had six kills and a .625 attack percentage to lead the way.

The third set was knotted up at nine until the Eagles used a run to gain separation before winning the final five points to seal the match victory.

Freshman outside hitter Kyrie Pennington (Charlotte, N.C.) set several new career highs with 12 kills, a .571 attack percentage and six digs.

"It definitely allowed me to get into a rhythm," Pennington said of her expanded role tonight. "If I made mistakes, I was able to work through them. It definitely helped because I was able to get into a rhythm."

O'Neal and Wilson each added ten kills to help the Eagles hit .350 on the evening.

Saturday evening pits two teams that are undefeated in conference play as the Eagles play host to No. 10 Wingate who has won 44 straight conference matches dating back to 2012.

All fans in attendance can enjoy a free hot dog for the match that begins a 5 p.m. A free high definition broadcast can be found by visiting cneagles.com/live.

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