ROME, Ga. – The Shorter Volleyball team earned its third consecutive home victory Friday night, defeating Lees-McRae in a 3-1 decision at the Winthrop-King Centre. The win improves the Hawks to 11-11 overall and 7-5 in conference play.
Shorter took control early in the opening set, building a 9-4 lead. The Bobcats continued to battle but trailed 19-16 before putting together a 6-1 run to take the lead. The Hawks attempted to rally late but could not overcome the deficit, dropping the opening frame.
The Hawks responded in the second set, jumping out to a 7-3 advantage and continuing to build momentum. Strong play from
Alexis Williams helped Shorter pull away late, as the Hawks cruised to a 25-13 victory to even the match.
Shorter carried that momentum into the third set, opening an 18-11 lead. However, Lees-McRae answered with a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to one at 20-19. The Hawks responded when it mattered most, closing the set on a 5-1 run to take a 2-1 lead in the match
.
Both teams battled early in the fourth set before Shorter created separation down the stretch. The Hawks held off another Bobcats comeback attempt to secure the 3-1 victory and extend their home winning streak to three matches.
Alexis Williams led the Hawks with a career-high 14 kills and 16.0 points, adding one block.
Taylor-Reese Howell continued her recent stretch of strong play with 13 kills, 15.0 points, six digs and one block.
Caroline Sivills also recorded 13 kills and finished with 15.5 points.
Helena Kelley paced the Hawks with 27 assists, while
Brielle Wood added 22. Defensively,
Caitlyn Sutton led Shorter with 13 digs, followed by
Reaghan Whitlock with 11.
UP NEXT
Shorter returns to the Winthrop-King Centre tomorrow for a 1 p.m. matchup against Belmont Abbey.
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