JACKSON, Mississippi – The Southwestern volleyball team
continued their conference success with a weekend sweep in the
second West/Central crossover tournament of the season, going 4-0
and dropping only 3 sets.
The Pirates opened the weekend against tournament host Millsaps
and took the win in a tough 5 set match, 25-22, 13-25, 25-16,
23-25, and 15-12. Southwestern had a balanced line of attack at the
net to contribute to the win with kills from junior Lindsay
Thompson (14), first-year Allison Stubbs
(10), and senior Lauren
Brown (10). Spectacular defensive performances also helped
Southwestern come away victorious with five Pirates tallying
double-digit digs in the match. Junior Rachel
Thibodeau led the team with 16, followed closely by sophomore
Annie
Hutson, Stubbs, and junior Sarai
Tenerelli with 15, and junior Christina
Nicholls with 12.
Southwestern carried their momentum from game one into their
second game of the day, beating Hendrix in straight sets, 25-21,
25-16, and 25-18. Stubbs led the team in both blocks and kills for
the match, with 2 and 13 respectively. Nicholls recorded 41 assists
while Hutson continued solid defensive play with 15 digs.
The Priates continued their successful streak in day two with an
opening win against Rhodes in straight sets, 25-18, 25-21, and
25-16. Brown and Stubbs led the attack, each with 9 kills, while
Stubbs also recorded a team high 15 digs.
The final match of the weekend pitted #20 Southwestern against
Austin College, who was nationally ranked in the top 25 earlier
this season. The Roos came out strong which caused the Pirates to
uncharacteristically drop set one, 18-25. However, the Pirates
rallied to take the next three sets for the win, 25-15, 25-16, and
26-24. Brown led the team in kills with 14, while Thibodeau had 8
and a team high 17 digs. Thompson tallied 5 blocks and Nicholls
notched 34 assists for the match.
Southwestern moves to 19-5 overall and 10-1 in SCAC contests.
The Pirates travel to Sherman, TX to finish out conference play
October 15th and 16th.
