LAGRANGE, Ga. – Asbury University volleyball (8-7, 3-3 CCS) took the opening set on Saturday afternoon before LaGrange (10-5, 4-1 CCS) responded to defeat the Eagles in four sets, 19-25, 25-11, 29-27, 25-18.
Asbury opened the match with its strongest offensive set of the afternoon, putting down 15 kills on the way to a 25-19 victory. After the teams traded points early, the Eagles created separation and built a 20-13 advantage. Asbury closed out the set on a kill from Isabell VandeSchraaf to take a 1-0 lead.
LaGrange answered in the second, using an early run to pull away for a 25-11 win and even the match. The Panthers held AU to seven kills in the set while recording 11 of their own.
The third set turned into the closest battle of the afternoon, featuring 15 ties and nine lead changes. Asbury held a 20-17 advantage before LaGrange rallied, but AU fought back to tie the score at 23. The Eagles later held set point at 25-24 and again at 27-26, but LaGrange responded each time before taking the final three points for a 29-27 victory and a 2-1 match lead.
LaGrange carried its momentum into the fourth set and built an early advantage. Asbury closed within two at 13-15 before the Panthers extended their lead and eventually finished the match with a 25-18 fourth-set victory.
Isabelle VandeSchraaf led the AU attack with a match-high 16 kills while adding 11 digs and two service aces for a double-double. Abigail Bruner and Sophie Glushchak each added seven kills, with Bruner hitting .312. Glushchak also contributed five digs and two block assists.
Sara Beth Gray recorded an Asbury-high 20 assists and 12 digs for a double-double, while Julia Wright added 14 assists, six digs and five kills. Lilly Cowing led AU at the service line with four aces, while Ashlynn Smith added two.
Asbury finished the afternoon with 44 kills, 40 assists, 50 digs, eight service aces and five total blocks.
*
Isabelle VandeSchraaf | 16 K, 11 D, 2 SA
*
Abigail Bruner | 7 K, .312 HIT%, 2 BA
*
Sophie Glushchak | 7 K, 5 D, 2 BA
*
Sara Beth Gray | 20 AST, 12 D
*
Julia Wright | 14 AST, 6 D, 5 K
*
Lilly Cowing | 4 SA, 5 D
The ladies return home to the Luce Center for a non-conference matchup with Anderson (IN) on Tues., Oct. 6 at 6:30 PM.
* Our vision is to serve, train, and compete for the glory of God
* Follow @asburyeagles on Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube
* Watch all TeamAU home games live at Asbury Sports Digital Network.com
* Use the links attached to team schedules to watch live or follow live stats
* Shop AU gear via the "Shop" button at asburyeagles.com
