VIDEO: Ashley Tiernan Interview

VIDEO: Highlights

VIDEO: Taylor Keeran Interview

VIDEO: Bennett McCombs Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - In their final home match of 2023 regular season play, Carson-Newman (14-15, 11-6 SAC) defended their home gym in a four set clash with the Limestone Saints on Monday night (10-11, 7-10 SAC). 

"Everything was flowing together." said Player of the Game, Taylor Keeran "Our defense was rockin' tonight and everything just flowed."

Keeran led the Eagles offensivley with 10 kills and .381 hitting percentage.  

Skylor Weaver followed directly behind with 9 kills and a .389 efficiency.

Bennett McCombs wore the libero jersey on Monday night and held a match high 21 digs. She was the only athlete on either side of the net to record over 16 saves. 

The Carson-Newman blocking force was efficient and dominant, collecting a season high 12.0 rejections agains the Saints. They were led by Skylor Weaver with seven block assists, Taylor Keeran with six, and Emmagrace Cobb with five. 

"Tonight both our outsides and right sides did a great job of staying inside so that our middles could get good touches on blocks." said head coach Ashley Tiernan. "That really made a big difference on getting the amount of blocks as well as really good touches."

Set 1 (25-20)

The Eagles jumped ahead early to 11-6 but allowed a six-point charge from the Saints to tie up at 12-12. They managed to retake the lead and held on for the remainder of play, with a three point run to close the set. Taylor Adams led Carson-Newman offensively with three kills, while Julia Wheeler, Emmagrace Cobb, and Taylor Keeran earned a pair each. Carlee Allbaugh led in the back row with four kills. C-N was fiery at the net with 5.0 blocks in set one, highlighted by three block assists from Emmagrace Cobb.

Set 2 (20-25)

In Limestone's sole victory of the match, they led the Eagles in kills (14-11), hitting percentage (.235- .128), digs (17-13), and service aces (2-1). Carson-Newman led only in blocks with 4.0, while the Saint's had only 1.0. 

Set 3 (25-21)

Carson-Newman took back the charge in set three after 10 ties and 5 lead changes. After the final tie at 21-21, a service error from the Saints, two kills from Skylor Weaver, and one from Madison Fisher sealed the set to put the Eagles in a 2-1 lead. Carson-Newman led in kills (12-10), hitting percentage (.207- .161), digs (15-10), and service aces (4-2). Bennett McCombs led the pack with six digs. 

Set 4 (25-21)

Despite the Saints leading in kills (13-10) and blocks (2.0-1.0), the Eagles capitalized from a stronger defense and fewer service errors (4-0) and hitting errors (9-7) to take the fourth and final set. 

The Eagles will hit the road for their final regular season match against Anderson on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 pm.