CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - The Campbellsville Tigers hosted the Cumberland University Phoenix Thursday night to close out conference play at home. A hot start from the Phoenix resulted in Campbellsville falling to Cumberland in their final home game, 3-1.
Pregame seniors Molly Shannon, Cierra Merrick, and Erica Rosario Calderon were recognized for their invaluable time at Campbellsville University Athletics and the volleyball program.
Beginning the first set, the Phoenix came out hot, opening with a 6-0 run. The Tigers were on the board with a kill from Emily Aabye. Cumberland put offensive pressure on the Tigers, holding them to single digits most of the way through. The Tigers were not to be deterred as the three seniors pushed the Tigers in within two. However, one last push from the Phoenix grabbed the first set, 25-22.
Campbellsville started the second set on the board first, but Cumberland quickly followed. Merrick found a hole in the Phoenix three consecutive times to give the Tigers the lead. However, Cumberland snuck their way in and created an even playing field. Consecutive errors from the Tigers allowed Cumberland to take an edge. The Tigers cut the deficit to just one point with back-to-back blocks from Aabye and Calderon, but the Phoenix finished the set 25-23.
Opening the third set, Campbellsville came out hot with a 7-2 in part to Tiger's Brooke Hager and Shannon. Though the Phoenix tried to sneak in again, the Tigers did not budge and kept a steady lead. With Cumberland cutting the lead to one, Olivia Hellman and errors from the Phoenix gave Campbellsville the final push. Merrick capsized on Cumberland errors with a kill to steal the third, 25-20.
Cumberland started the fourth set with a kill, but Calderon briskly responded with a kill assisted by Jana Krstic. However, the Phoenix found the hot hand and put offensive pressure on the Tigers. A kill from Shannon put Campbellsville within six, but that was the closest the Tigers reached the rest of the way. Cumberland took the fourth and final set, 25-15.
The Tigers are back in action on Friday, November 1st, traveling to Tennessee to take on the Freed-Hardeman University Lions. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET.
- Aabye racked up 17 kills, Krstic paced the Tigers with 48 kills, Hellman produced three service aces, Calderon had six blocks, and Jaden Francis had a game-high 25 digs.
- Campbellsville and Cumberland were fairly even in the statistical categories, but the game-changer was the Tigers' 26 attack errors compared to the Phoenix's 14.
- The Tigers finished their season at home with a 7-2 record. Campbellsville also has an 11-3 home record and a 27-8 record over the Phoenix.
