JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - For only the second time in the past five years, Catawba (4-6,2-4) clinches a match over Carson-Newman (6-8,4-2).

In a four set loss to the Indians at Goodman Arena on Tuesday, C-N struggled to cling to a momentun throughout the match. The Eagles recorded 56 kills to Catawba's 51 but could not find the necessary consistency in their play.

"We have great pieces in place, we are just struggling on the consistency that it takes to win." said head coach Ashley Tiernan. "Once we have a leader show up on the court we will be fun to watch. We will do better this weekend and continue to fight." 

The Eagles recorded 47 errors on the evening, the highest documented in a match since October of 2022. Catawba only outscored Carson-Newman in one of the four sets played. Instead they utilized the high error night from the Eagles to take the victory.

Despite the inconsistencies, multiple athletes had standout performances on the court. Trinity Hafey marked a season and career high of 17 digs, leading defensively for the second time as a freshman. Carlee Allbaugh was right behind her with 16 saves. This marks back to back matches that both Hafey and Allbaugh have both collected over 15 digs. 

Blair Cherry made her presence known with 41 assissts on the night, the most from either team and the most from any Eagle so far this season. She surpassed her previous record of 34 and has recorded new career records for two matches straight. 

Emmagrace Cobb recorded the highest kill percentage with more than 10 attempts from both teams. She had a nearly flawless night at the net, collecting nine kills on 18 attempts and only one error for a .444 percentage. 

 Set 1 (18-25) 

Carson-Newman has struggled in set one for the extent of the season. In all 14 games played, the Eagles have taken the first set only four times. Catawba snagged the first significant lead of the match at 9-5 then kept their distance until the conclusion at 25-18. With a .294 efficiency, Carson-Newman earned 14 kills in comparison to Catwaba's 13. The seven point final margin seemed to all come from the service line. The Eagles errored five times at the end line with no aces, while Catawba only errored once and grabbed two aces.

Set 2 (25-20)

Carson-Newman took the first four points of the set and did not drop their lead once. Catawba called for a timeout half-way through the set hoping to halt the Eagle's headway. The Indians managed to come within a point but could not break Carson-Newman's lead that took the set at 25-20. 

Set 3 (25-27)

15 tied scores in set three kept fans eagerly on their toes. For the extent of the set, neither team distanced themself from the other by more than two points. Carson-Newman and Catawba went point for point from a tie at 19-19 to the final tie at 25-25. A kill from Mellie Chretien and one from Riannel Arevalo sealed the set for the Indians. 

Set 4 (22-25)

Catawba pulled ahead strong and fast from the jump. A seven point scoring run placed Catawba in the largest lead of the match at 15-6. The Eagle's did not give in and managed to close in on the Indians at 19-18. Unwilling to give up their lead, Catawba went on a scoring run that gave them momentum to take set four and conclude the match. 

 Carson-Newman will stay in Mossy Creek for back to back matches on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit cneagles.com.