WISE -- Anderson used key runs to defeat the Highland Cavalier volleyball team Saturday afternoon on the Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center. The Trojans claimed the South Atlantic Conference win via scores of 25-19, 21-25, 25-17, and 25-15.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: Anderson 3, UVA Wise 1
Records: UVA Wise (10-9, 4-6 SAC); Anderson (13-4, 8-1 SAC)
Location: Wise, VA | The Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The match opened with tightly contested start as the Cavs traded points with the Trojans to the tune of eleven ties and six lead changes. The Trojans slowly pulled ahead late, taking a 21-17 lead. The set concluded with the Cavs attempting a comeback but ultimately falling short as Anderson closed out the first set 25-19.
- The second set began with the Cavaliers establishing an early edge, propelled by a kill from
Mia Poag and a service ace. The team kept up their momentum as
Mia Bradley delivered consecutive kills, extending the lead to 5-1. The Trojans fought back, narrowing the gap to 9-9 with a series of kills from Emily Campbell and a service ace. The Highland Cavaliers responded with a strong defensive presence, including blocks by James and
Isabella Baylor, regaining the lead 14-12. Further service aces from Pardue and
Abigail Curtis widened the margin to 22-16. Despite a late push from Anderson,
Serina Petersen secured the final point, closing the set at 25-21 in favor of UVA Wise.
- The third set began with UVA Wise initiating an initial surge, capitalizing on an attack error by Anderson's Elder and a service ace from Poag to take a 6-3 lead. Anderson responded by leveling the score at 8-8 before edging ahead to take a 10-8 advantage. Despite efforts by the Cavs to regain momentum, including a kill from Blankenship and a series of points sparked by Poag and Bradley, Anderson never relinquished the lead. The set closed with Anderson going on a 12-1 run to secure the 25-17 victory.
- The fourth set began with the Highland Cavaliers quickly gaining an early point due to an attack error from Anderson.
Mable James contributed with a kill, bringing the score to 2-1 in favor of the Cavaliers. However, Anderson responded with a run of their own to take the 8-2 lead. Blankenship and
Mailea Hufnagel both made key kills as the Cavs attempted to close the gap, reaching a score of 12-5. A string of errors from the opposition allowed Wise to narrow the margin to 16-13, highlighted by a service ace from Curtis. Despite this momentum, Anderson extended their lead with a strong finish, ultimately taking the set 25-15.
GETTING WISE
- Curtis was a defensive standout, recording 22 digs and three aces over the four sets.
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Riley Brandon had another double-double, her third of the season, with her 16 assists and ten digs.
- James was a key player at the net, tallying five total blocks.
- Blankenship led the attack with 11 kills and added one block assist, while Bradley had ten kills and eight digs.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will travel to Hickory, North Carolina, to face Lenoir-Rhyne at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.
