Asbury University

WILMORE, Ky. --- The Asbury University volleyball team (0-1, 0-0 CCS) opened its home slate Tuesday night inside the Luce Center, falling to Centre College (1-0, 0-0 SAA) in straight sets (25-22, 31-29, 25-21).

The Eagles battled throughout the match, including a thrilling second set that extended well beyond the standard 25 points before the Colonels secured the sweep.

Asbury showed resilience after an early deficit in the opening set, cutting Centre's lead to just two points late before the visitors claimed a 25-22 victory. The Eagles responded with their strongest set of the night in the second, overcoming multiple deficits and forcing extra points in a back-and-forth battle. Centre ultimately edged Asbury 31-29 despite the Eagles holding set point opportunities during the frame.

The third set remained competitive throughout as neither team was able to create much separation. After fighting to within 22-19 late in the stanza, Asbury was unable to complete the comeback as Centre closed out the match with a 25-21 set win.

Offensively, the Eagles were led by sophomore outside hitter Sophie Glushchak, who recorded a team-high 13 kills while hitting .385. Isabelle VandeSchraaf added 14 kills and 10 digs for a double-double, while Emma Dean contributed four kills and two block assists.

The Eagles' offense was directed by setters Sara Beth Gray and Julia Wright, who combined for 25 assists. Gray finished with 13 assists, seven digs, and a service ace, while Wright added 12 assists and three total blocks.

Defensively, libero Lilly Cowing anchored the back row with a match-high 25 digs. VandeSchraaf added 10 digs, while Gray chipped in seven as Asbury totaled 54 digs as a team.

Centre held a slight edge statistically, finishing with 37 kills to Asbury's 34 and totaling 10 service aces. The Eagles matched the Colonels with six total team blocks and hit .147 for the match.