CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a hard-fought match at the Levine Center on Oct. 18, Queens University of Charlotte fought in a complete five-setter, narrowly falling to Eastern Kentucky (25-20, 25-18, 13-25, 17-25, 17-19).
"As a team, we had a really good week of practice into the match and put a lot of emphasis on competing as a whole team," Head Coach Hannah Long said. "We've had some individual performances that have shined in the past but today I felt like every single position contributed."
SET BY SET RECAP
Queens came out strong in the first set, building early momentum with a 7-1 lead, capitalizing on several attack errors by Eastern Kentucky and solid blocking from Jordyn Johnson and Kayla McDuffie. Emma Norris led the offensive effort with key kills, while Kendall Buish set the tone with 37 assists throughout the match. The Royals maintained their lead thanks to a balanced attack, taking the first set 25-20.
Queens continued their dominance in the second set, with the team hitting at an impressive .318 clip. Kayla McDuffie shined with efficient attacking, while J. Johnson added three service aces. The Royals' defense, led by Tilley Collins' total 24 digs, kept Eastern Kentucky at bay, holding them to .238 hitting. Queens took a commanding 2-0 lead in the match after a decisive 25-18 win.
Eastern Kentucky responded strongly in the third set, flipping the momentum. Sarah Mitchell from EKU was dominant, leading her team with crucial kills. Queens couldn't find their rhythm and fell 13-25, giving EKU life.
The fourth set was a back-and-forth affair, but Eastern Kentucky's offense found its groove. Carson Ledford and AG Vandagriff were pivotal at the net, causing trouble for Queens' hitters. Despite strong efforts from McDuffie and Norris, Queens couldn't hold them off, allowing EKU to even the match at 2-2 with a 17-25 loss.
The final set was a nail-biter, with both teams trading points throughout. Queens fought off multiple match points and held a 17-16 lead, but EKU stormed back with a couple of clutch plays from Ledford and Mitchell to win 19-17.
"Our passers put a lot of pride in their serve-receive. We tell the players, if you get that challenge of getting the ball, accept it in that moment. I thought our passers embraced that extremely well tonight."
ROYAL RUNDOWN
- Emma Norris led the team with a career-high 14 kills and a .333 hitting percentage.
- Kayla McDuffie was a force at the net with 12 kills and seven total blocks.
- Tilley Collins anchored the defense with 24 digs.
- Jordyn Johnson contributed 16 digs, five blocks, and 12 kills in an all-around performance.
UP NEXT
Next, the Royals are back at home on Sunday, October. 20 against Bellarmine with a 1:00 PM first-serve.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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