WISE -- Tusculum held UVA Wise to a .053 hitting percentage while hitting .236 as they defeated the Highland Cavaliers in straight sets, 25-19, 25-17, 25-21, in a South Atlantic Conference match Tuesday evening on the Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: Tusculum 3, UVA Wise 0
Records: UVA Wise (7-7, 2-4 SAC); Tusculum (4-7, 2-3 SAC)
Location: Wise, Virginia | The Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center

HOW IT HAPPENED
- UVA Wise opened the first set with momentum, sparked by Mia Poag's service ace and Mia Bradley's effective hitting, securing an early 4-2 lead. The Cavaliers extended their advantage to 9-6, showcasing strong blocking from Annabelle Dowell and Bradley, while Serina Petersen contributed with key kills. Tusculum, however, responded with a significant run, capitalizing on several attack errors from the Cavs to shift the momentum and take a 17-11 lead. Despite efforts from Morgan Blankenship and Riley Brandon to close the gap, the Pioneers held on for the 25-19 victory.
 
- The second set opened with a strong start from Tusculum, who quickly established a 4-0 lead with a combination of kills and service aces. The Cavs responded with points from service errors by the Pioneers and a kill by Braelynn Williams, narrowing the gap. Midway through the set, UVA Wise found momentum with a series of kills by Poag, Blankenship, and August Betz, bringing the score closer at 12-9. However, the Pioneers maintained their advantage with consistent offensive pressure. As the set progressed, Tusculum extended their lead through effective kills and capitalized on a few service errors from the Cavs. Despite a late effort with kills from Bradley and Williams, UVA Wise concluded the set trailing 25-17.
 
- In the third set, the score remained close early on until Tusculum capitalized on several errors from UVA Wise to extend their lead to 11-7. Despite a service ace from Mailea Hufnagel and consistent plays by Petersen, the team was unable to close the gap significantly. The Pioneers maintained a three to four point lead throughout the rest of the set, sealing the match with a 25-21 third set victory.

GETTING WISE
- Bradley led the team with seven kills and added one ace and two block assists.
- Brandon delivered 13 assists and also recorded six digs.
- Petersen contributed five kills and one ace, while also adding two blocks defensively. Poag also chipped in five kills.
- Williams had a .571 attack percentage, posting four kills on seven attempts and leading the defense with one solo and two assisted blocks.
- Abigail Curtis led the team in digs with eleven.

UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the UVA Wise volleyball team will host former Mountain East Conference foe Charleston this Saturday, Oct. 4. First serve is set for 2 p.m.

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