MARS HILL, NC -- Mars Hill swept UVA Wise in straight sets on Tuesday evening in a South Atlantic Conference match at Chambers Gymnasium, winning 25-19, 25-12, 25-20.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: Mars Hill 3, UVA Wise 0
Records: UVA Wise (6-6, 1-3 SAC) ; Mars Hill (5-2, 2-0 SAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UVA Wise started the first set strong against Mars Hill, with
Serina Petersen scoring the first point from a
Piper Suddeth assist. The Highland Cavaliers took an early 4-1 lead, but a service ace by Laela Jimenez tied the game at 4-4. Despite consistent efforts from Petersen, who contributed multiple kills throughout the set, MHU used a run to gain a 15-11 advantage midway through. Megan Lee Prezio and Keira Links were instrumental for the Lions, each securing critical points as they pulled ahead. Mars Hill ultimately closed out the set 25-19.
- Mars Hill started strong in the second set, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead with kills from Skylar Ogden and Keira Links. The Cavaliers responded with a brief rally, leveling the score at 4-4 with consistent attacking by
Morgan Blankenship. However, the Lions regained control and extended their lead to 10-4. Selma Vassdal's kill and a pair of service aces from Ioana Poenaru widened Mars Hill's advantage. Despite efforts from the Cavs, Mars Hill capitalized on multiple service aces to secure the set, 25-12, with a final service ace by Laela Jimenez.
- Mars Hill secured the third set with a 25-20 win over the Cavaliers, thanks to a series of decisive plays. Selma Vassdal contributed early with a kill to put the Lions up 5-2. UVA Wise's
Annabelle Dowell and
Mailea Hufnagel responded with key kills, narrowing the gap to 15-13. However, MHU maintained their edge, with consecutive service aces from Alyssa Kornegay extending their lead to 23-20. The set concluded with a block by Skylar Ogden and Keira Links, sealing the win for the Lions.
GETTING WISE
-
Piper Suddeth recorded 17 assists and added in five digs. She is currently 26 assists away from 1,500.
- Petersen contributed five kills on seven attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .571.
-
Abigail Curtis added 14 digs to lead the defensive efforts. She has edged ever closer to the 1,000 career digs mark and currently stands at 983.
- Dowell was active at the net, posting five total blocks.
UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will travel to Salisbury, NC to face Catawba on Friday, September 26. The match is set for 6 p.m.
