On Tuesday Milligan University’s women’s volleyball team hosted Tennessee Wesleyan for their first home match of the season. The Lady Buffs battled it out for a win in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse, improving their overall record to 2-1.
The match was settled in four sets (26-24, 25-23, 21-25, 25-21). Milligan senior Carley Gregory had 16 kills, and Julia Codispoti contributed 13 of her own. Cameron McConnell led the way defensively with 20 digs.
Milligan won the first set in extra points with a score of 26-24. The Buffs started strong in the second set, jumping out to an 11-0 lead. The Bulldogs fought back to tie the set at 23-23, but Milligan scored two straight points to secure a 25-23 win.
Tennessee Wesleyan claimed a close third set with a 21-25 victory. The Lady Buffs responded with a fourth-set win of 25-21 to give Milligan a victory over the Bulldogs. Senior Abby Falcone closed out the fourth set with a kill to end the match.
“As a coach you are always pleased with a win,” Head Coach Doneva Bays said. “We did a lot of things well last night and still showed areas that need improvement. I was very pleased with our overall performance.”
Gregory also agreed that their performance against Tennessee Wesleyan proved they have room to improve as a team. “I think we played well as a team…but I think there is still a decent amount of room for improvement,” Gregory explained. “We have a love for the game, we need to continue to show that and put the physical and mental aspects of the game together.”
The Buffs are currently playing in unfamiliar conditions. They are used to the rallying support of family, friends and students in the stands. However, due to COVID-19 precautions, no spectators are allowed in the gym during volleyball matches. The bleachers of Steve Lacy Fieldhouse were empty for Tuesday’s match.
The unusual circumstances have not stopped the Lady Buffs from creating good energy on their own. Coach Bays said, “Our bench has done a phenomenal job of getting excited and staying engaged in the match.”
Gregory added, “Part of volleyball is the energy and excitement after winning a point and we have to be the ones to bring all of that energy this season.”
The Buffs look to extend their winning streak on Thursday, as they take on Bryan College in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. The game is available to be streamed on Milligan’s athletics website (milliganbuffs.com).
Headline photo: Buffs preparing to receive a serve from Tennessee Wesleyan.