Sarah Mitchell recorded 26 kills with just three errors, leading the Eastern Kentucky University volleyball team to a 3-1 victory over Stetson University on Saturday. The Colonels (19-8, 10-4 ASUN) won by set scores of 25-22, 25-17, 23-25, and 25-16.
Match Recap
In the opening set, Stetson jumped out to an 18-13 lead following a kill from Jenna Simmons. However, EKU responded with eight points in the next nine rallies to tie the score at 19-19. Paige Wagers gave the Colonels their first lead with a kill, and Isa Blackwell’s service ace helped put EKU in front 21-19. After the set tied at 22-22, Mitchell’s kill set up set-point, and Carson Ledford finished it off with another kill.
The second set saw EKU take control early, scoring the first four points. Ledford’s kill extended the lead to five points, and despite a late rally from Stetson, the Colonels closed out the set with five straight points. Mitchell sealed the set with a kill, giving EKU a 2-0 lead.
Stetson fought back in the third set, jumping out to an 8-4 lead with a 5-0 run. The Colonels regained the lead at 16-14 following a six-point run, but Stetson pushed back, taking the set 25-23 after a block from Leilani Vitale and Kayla Balfour.
The fourth set was all EKU as they quickly jumped to a 5-1 lead. Mitchell’s back-to-back kills extended the advantage to 17-8, and Ledford’s kill sealed the match for the Colonels.
Key Performances
- Sarah Mitchell finished with 26 kills on a .348 hitting percentage, 14 digs, and two aces.
- Ledford contributed 13 kills, five blocks, and one ace.
- Wagers added seven kills, six blocks, and Josie Schmitendorf led the match with 27 digs.
- EKU’s defense held Stetson to a .087 attack percentage, and the Colonels finished with six aces compared to just three for Stetson.
Stetson Contributions
- Anabelle Standish led Stetson (5-20, 2-12 ASUN) with 14 kills, 12 digs, and four blocks.
- Kayla Balfour added 12 kills, while Jenna Simmons contributed 10.
Next Up
The Colonels will close out the regular season with two home matches next weekend. EKU hosts Central Arkansas on Friday at 6 p.m. and North Alabama on Saturday at 4 p.m.
