Mars Hill splits on final day of LMU Tournament

HARROGATE, Tenn. - The Mars Hill volleyball team (1-2) earned a split on Saturday at the Lincoln Memorial University Tournament, defeating King in straight sets, but falling to USC Aiken in straight sets.

GAME ONE: MHU 3, KU 0

The Lions earned their first victory of the 2019 season with a dominant 3-0 win over the Tornado of King University.  Sarah Goddard once again led the team with 13 kills.

Mars Hill opened the first set on an 11-3 run that saw Kamya Latson record three kills and both Lauren Phillips and Sally Anne Johnson added two apiece.  Mars Hill continued to push the pace offensively and cruised to the early 1-0 lead off of three straight kills from Latson.

The Lions once again pounced on King to open the second set, taking 11 of the first 13 points, capitalizing on five Tornado attack errors.  Following a service error that allowed King to snap a four-point run by the Lions, Mars Hill responded with another 4-0 run that saw Latson record another two kills.  Mars Hill closed out the frame off of another attack error by the Tornado.

Tied midway through the deciding frame, Mars Hill was able to string together a 5-1 run to separate themselves from the Tornado and establish breathing room as they looked to close out the sweep.  The Lions closed out the game in dominant fashion, taking nine of the final 10 points with two kills from Goddard.

Latson ended the game with 10 kills and two block assists.  Johnson recorded nine kills and six block assists.  Ully Martins led all players with 25 digs while Sara Pasour collected 22 assists.

GAME TWO: USCA 3, MHU 0

The Pacers of USC Aiken completed a perfect 3-0 weekend, downing the Lions in straight sets.

Christine Carroll paced all players offensively with 12 kills.  Abbey Schad added nine kills, followed by Anita Cookey-Gam.  Alie Smith and Kayla Duggan each contributed seven kills apiece.  

Alli Bell led all players with 34 assists while Rebecca Martinez recorded 15 digs.  

Sarah Goddard, for the third straight game, led the Lions in the contest with nine kills while hitting .353.  Jordan Schmucker collected 13 assists while Ully Martins picked up 14 digs.  

The Lions return to action on Friday, September 13th when they open up South Atlantic Conference play versus Catawba inside Chambers Gymnasium.  Action is slated for a 7 p.m. start.