EMORY, VA – UVA Wise picked up a key South Atlantic Conference win Tuesday evening as they swept Emory & Henry 3-0 by scores of 26-24, 25-21, 25-21.
UVA Wise's attack was led by a total of 48 kills and a hitting percentage of .235, nine service aces bolstering their performance.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 3, Emory & Henry 0
Records: UVA Wise (9-7, 3-4 SAC); Emory & Henry (3-13, 0-7 SAC)
Location: Emory, VA | King Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
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Morgan Blankenship contributed with two early kills to open the match, supported by
Riley Brandon's assists, as the teams traded leads. UVA Wise capitalized on a series of attack errors and service aces, including two consecutive aces by Blankenship, to go on a 7-0 run end eventually build a 14-6 advantage. The Wasps' Tori Boling led a comeback with a streak of four straight kills, narrowing the gap to 21-20. However, the Cavaliers held their ground, overcoming a late tie at 24-24, and secured the set victory at 26-24 with a block by Blankenship and
Annabelle Dowell, followed by an attack error from Emory & Henry's Gracyn Miller.
- The Wasps jumped out to a strong start in the second set Zoie Pace helping her team shoot out to a 5-0 lead. UVA Wise responded with a kill from Blankenship, beginning a comeback that saw them narrow the gap to 5-3. The set remained competitive as both teams traded points, including multiple kills from Boling for Emory & Henry and
Mia Poag for UVA Wise, who tied the score at 12-12 with a service ace. The Cavs then gained momentum, with Poag and
Mable James delivering critical kills, ultimately securing the set victory at 25-21 with Poag's final kill.
- UVA Wise secured a 25-21 win in the third set against the Wasps after opening the set on a 5-1 run and never looking back. Emory & Henry attempted to close the gap with key points from Haley Harnichar and Taylor Kelly, but UVA Wise maintained their edge. The final point came with a kill from Blankenship, assisted by Brandon, concluding the set and match in favor of the Highland Cavaliers.
GETTING WISE
- Blankenship recorded 13 kills and four service ace to go along with her seven digs.
- Brandon amassed a career-high 38 assists and added eight digs.
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Mable James posted a .444 hitting percentage with 10 kills and registered four block assists, accumulating 12 points.
- Poag tallied 13 kills and one ace, while also collecting eight digs, totaling 14.5 points in the match.
UP NEXT
UVA Wise will continue their two match SAC road swing as they will face Wingate this Friday at 7 p.m. in Wingate, North Carolina.
