MATCH NOTES

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman volleyball is finally back in Holt Fieldhouse after a long offseason.

After beginning the season in West Tennessee at the Union University Volleyball Classic, Carson-Newman (2-1, 0-0 SAC) returns home to begin SAC play in its home opener against Lincoln Memorial (3-0, 0-0 SAC).

In the 59^th meeting between the two squads, the Railsplitters and the Eagles meet with two very different programs from just a year ago. Carson-Newman is now being led by Cat Collins and nine new players to the roster from a year ago, while LMU is now coached by John Cash, the longtime head coach of Lincoln Memorial's men's volleyball team.

"LMU is a rivalry, and we're excited to compete and showcase our abilities," Carson-Newman volleyball head coach Cat Collins said. "I'm looking forward to seeing the team build off this past weekend."

Lincoln Memorial swept all nine sets it played at the Chowan Invitational, allowing 13 points or less in six of the nine sets it played. Highlighting the Railsplitters on the court is Kristen Moehring, an all-conference selection last season, Moehring was on an offensive tear last weekend boasting 3.78 kills per set. Sophomore Lauren Pickett has emerged as LMU's primary setter with 84 assists and a 9.33 A/S statistic to go along with it. Defensively, the Splitters have depth at middle blocker, with Abigail Kesler, Katherine Bedel, and Agata Bogdanska each collecting six total blocks last weekend. Freshman Lauren Jacob has taken the primary libero duties, leading Lincoln Memorial with 37 digs.

Carson-Newman also had a successful weekend in Jackson. It took No. 6 Mo.-St. Louis to five sets in its first match of the season before winning its final two weekend matches over Harding and Union (Tenn.).

The Eagles are led on the court by a solid mix of new talent and veterans. Freshmen Annie Dziczkowski, Emerson Ahsmuhs, and Maddie Hurst all impressed on the weekend, each leading the Eagles in kills in a match over the three matches. Senior Taylor Adams is the veteran voice guiding the outsides.

Sophomore setter Blair Cherry shined over the weekend, collecting 50 assists in the Union match while grabbing two double-doubles in the wins over Union and Harding.

Defensively the veterans shine through with the libero role being split between seniors Blake Cherry and Bennett McCombs. Fifth-year senior Taylor Keeran was the primary middle blocker over the weekend to round out the defensive side of the ball.

First serve at Holt Fieldhouse is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Tuesday. Fans can watch on FloSports ($) with a subscription or follow along at @CN_Eagles on X and Instagram for live game updates throughout the match.