OWENSBORO, Ky. – Volleyball (3-6, 0-1 G-MAC) fell to in-state rival Thomas More (5-4, 1-0 G-MAC) in three sets Friday evening. The Panthers were led by
Emmy Goering with eight kills, while
Abigail Butterworth and
Hadley Wolfe each added six.
Grace Lewis finished with 12 assists,
Ana De Sevilla-Acosta added 11 assists, and
Sophie Spanier led Kentucky Wesleyan with 12 digs.
Thomas More 0-0 Kentucky Wesleyan (25-23, 25-11, 25-22)
SET ONE: Thomas More 25-23 Kentucky Wesleyan
Kentucky Wesleyan came out strong in the opening set, building an early 4-2 lead before Thomas More answered with a 4-0 run. The Panthers stayed within striking distance throughout the middle portion of the set, eventually tying the score at 10-10.
The Saints began to create separation with a five-point run that put them ahead 17-12, but Kentucky Wesleyan responded to pull the score to within two at 17-15. The Panthers continued to battle and eventually tied the set at 19-19 before taking a 21-20 lead.
Thomas More answered with consecutive points to regain the lead, but the Panthers tied the score again at 22-22. The Saints scored three of the final four points, however, to take the opening set 25-23.
SET TWO: Thomas More 25-11 Kentucky Wesleyan
Thomas More controlled the second set from the beginning, taking an 8-5 lead before extending its advantage with a 9-1 run. The Panthers struggled to generate consistent offense during the stretch, with the Saints using a combination of kills and Kentucky Wesleyan errors to build a 17-6 advantage.
Thomas More continued to pull away late, closing the set on an 8-2 run to take a 2-0 lead in the match with a 25-11 victory.
SET THREE: Thomas More 25-22 Kentucky Wesleyan
Kentucky Wesleyan responded in the third set, taking an early 3-1 lead and later holding a 7-4 advantage. The Saints answered to tie the set at 7-7, but the Panthers regained control and led 12-9 midway through the frame.
Kentucky Wesleyan maintained a narrow advantage through the middle of the set before Thomas More rallied to tie the score at 15-15. The Saints then took a 17-15 lead, but the Panthers continued to fight back, eventually tying the set at 18-18.
Thomas More pulled ahead again at 21-18, putting Kentucky Wesleyan in a difficult position late. The Panthers cut the deficit to 24-22, but the Saints secured the final point to close out the set and complete the sweep.
UP NEXT
Kentucky Wesleyan volleyball travels to Ashland (6-1, 1-0) tomorrow, September 12th to take on the Eagles. First serve is set for 12 p.m. CT.
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