Eagles flock to Harrogate to challenge Railsplitters

Eagles flock to Harrogate to challenge Railsplitters

Carson-Newman Volleyball Match Notes

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Looking to rebound from their first conference loss of the year, the Carson-Newman Eagles (11-4, 7-1 South Atlantic Conference) head to Harrogate, Tenn. for a 7 p.m. first serve against the Lincoln Memorial Railsplitters (9-7, 5-3 SAC).

"When you go seven straight wins, they're shocked by getting beat," head coach Dan Ahiers said after a loss to Wingate Saturday. "We'll put together a good practice and get ready for LMU."

The loss to Wingate snapped a seven-game winning streak, a mark that was the longest for Carson-Newman since an eight-game winning streak at the October 2009. The Bulldogs had 55 digs, the most by an Eagle opponent in a three-set match this season as Wingate went on to hit .330.

The Eagles had held ten straight foes to under a .200 attack percentage prior to a new high from the top team in the conference.

A quick turnaround has Carson-Newman firing up the bus to make the trek to face Lincoln Memorial, a club that topped the Eagles twice in 2013 including a sweep in Harrogate.

The Railsplitters boast the best team in the league in terms of total digs this season despite a block that ranks toward the bottom of the table.

Preseason first team All-SAC nominee Casey Mense leads the back line with 4.27 digs per set while racking up a team-high 16 service aces this season.

Lincoln Memorial has lost three of its last five matches despite hitting well over .200 during that span. Kiera Holland has led the way this season with 3.13 kills per set on just a .151 attack percentage.

Jazzy Oates led the way last season for the Railsplitters against the Eagles with 22 kills and an attack percentage near .500.

The Eagles and Railsplitter begin at 7:00 p.m. Live stats can be found here or by following @CNathletics on Twitter for the most current information.

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