Milligan volleyball hosted the opening round of the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship on Saturday, Nov. 23. This was the first time in school history that Milligan has hosted the national championship opening round for any sport. Milligan played Martin Methodist College and lost in four sets.
Before the game on Nov. 23, Milligan had to work out some final touches to get ready for the game. According to head volleyball coach, Doneva Bays, Milligan had to certify the facility and put in a bid to host before they could even be selected. The team also had to qualify for Nationals.
She said they had to work out logistics for visiting teams to practice the day before and the day of the game, in addition to holding a banquet for the other teams.
The Buffs came out strong during the first set, winning 25-16. During this set, the Buffs recorded 17 kills with senior Julie Dockery leading the team with seven kills.
The first set was the last time the Buffs led. Martin Methodist came back in the second set, winning 19-25. The RedHawks continued to lead for the third and fourth sets, winning 16-25 and 14-25.
Both teams ended the night with 53 kills, but Milligan fell short with 23 attack errors compared to Martin’s 16. Junior Carley Gregory led the Buffs with 15 kills, and sophomore Layla Grant led with 16 digs.
Senior Kellee Geren had a match high of 45 assists and ended her Milligan career with her 17th double-double. She also finished her Milligan career with a record-setting 4,902 assists.
The Milligan Buffaloes ended their season with a record of 24-11. They were the winners of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) North Division, and this was the second year in a row they qualified for the national championship opening round.
“We came out of the gates extremely strong in the first set,” said Coach Bays. “Our ball control broke down a little, and we made too many unforced errors,” she added, referring to the difference between the first set and the other three.
Coach Bays also said their expectation was to win, but they really just wanted to play their best and make the most of the opportunity. “My seniors, Kellee Geren, Julie Dockery and Alyssa Gibson had phenomenal careers as Lady Buffs, and we [the team] are so thankful for their dedication and leadership that they have given Milligan Volleyball,” said Coach Bays. “Overall I’m super proud of this team and them making back-to-back National tournaments.”
Headline photo: Milligan Women’s Volleyball played Martin Methodist College Saturday, Nov. 23 inside Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.