RICHMOND, In.--- Asbury volleyball (1-1) opened the 2024 season with a sweep over Wooster College ( behind
Isabelle VandeSchraaf's 13 kills, before slipping to Trine University (2-0) in four sets in the Earlham Invitational on Friday night in Richmond, In.
Game One | ASBURY 3, WOOSTER 0
The Eagles established their lead early in game one, winning the first set 25-17, and continued their strong performance with scores of 25-16 in the second set and 25-18 in the third. Asbury's
Isabelle VandeSchraaf, Amelia Mitchell, and
Sophie Glushchak led the attack with a significant number of kills, while Glushchak along with
Emma Grace Gray and Mitchell were pivotal at the net with crucial blocks.
Sara Beth Gray stood out with a stellar performance, achieving a double-double in her opening match for Asbury.
Abigail Bruner contributed with four aces in her first collegiate match, adding to the team's tally and momentum.
The match also saw a collaborative effort in assists, with
Lucy Kate Gray, Emma Fleck,
Sara Beth Gray,
Isabelle VandeSchraaf,
Emma Grace Gray,
Riley McChord, Lucy Kinser, Izzy Cozzie, Catherine Muzilla, and Mary-Catherine Werth all playing a part in orchestrating the plays that led to the win.
Game Two | ASBURY 1, TRINE 3
The second match of the night for AU kicked off with an incredibly tight first set where Asbury just fell short, losing 25-27 to Trine.
The second set also saw Trine maintaining the upper hand, winning 25-21. However, Asbury showed a strong comeback in the third set with a spirited performance leading to a 25-22 win.
The fourth set, decisive for Trine's victory, ended 25-19, securing the win for the Thunder.
Highlight performances from Asbury included
Isabelle VandeSchraaf, Julia Maggio, and
Emma Grace Gray who led the Eagles with significant kills. On the defensive side, Francesca Queary,
Abigail Bruner, and
Megan Schelling were formidable with their blocks.
Digs were admirably handled by
Riley McChord, while service aces by Gray and Maggio added crucial points for the Eagles. Anna Zellers and
Lucy Kate Gray played pivotal roles laying out assists throughout the match.
The Eagles head into day of their season at 1-1, meeting Earlham College on Saturday morning at 11 am.
"It was great to see us come out ready to play like we did. This group is going to be fun to coach, and I am looking forward to watching them get better and better."
Tiffany Horton | Asbury Volleyball Head Coach
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Isabelle VandeSchraaf | 27 Kills
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Lucy Kate Gray | 33 Assists
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Riley McChord | 22 Digs
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Abigail Bruner | 7 Service Aces
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* Use the links attached to the team schedules to watch live or follow live stats
