WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Huntington University women’s volleyball team opened Crossroads League play Wednesday evening with a 0-3 loss at Mount Vernon Nazarene inside Ariel Arena. While the final result favored the Cougars by scores of 25-21, 25-17 and 25-19, the Foresters battled point-for-point for much of the night before several extended Mount Vernon runs proved to be the difference. 

Mount Vernon improved to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in league play while Huntington slipped to 2-7 on the season and 0-1 in conference action. 

Maggie Hollon paced the Forester offense with a match-high 11 kills while adding five digs. Lexi McGee chipped in nine kills, three service aces and seven digs, while Lauren Ross, returning to action after missing the first two weeks of the season, directed the attack with 19 assists and eight digs. 

The opening set featured several tight exchanges as Huntington stayed within striking distance throughout the frame. Hollon totaled five kills in the set and McGee added three, helping the Foresters keep the score close before Mount Vernon used a late surge to secure the 25-21 win. 

The second set followed a similar script. Huntington battled back from an early deficit and pulled within 21-20 late in the frame behind contributions from McGee, Trevyn Terry and Liz Blackburn. The Cougars answered with four of the final five points to take the set and a 2-0 advantage in the match. 

Huntington appeared poised to seize momentum in the third set after building an 11-9 lead midway through the frame. Hollon recorded four kills in the set while McGee added three kills and a service ace. Mount Vernon responded with the match’s defining stretch, stringing together a lengthy scoring run that flipped a two-point deficit into a double-digit advantage. The Foresters continued to compete and trimmed the margin late, but the Cougars held on for a 25-19 victory to complete the sweep. 

As a team, Huntington finished with 26 kills, 32 digs and five service aces. McGee accounted for three aces while Jadyn Samson and Terry added one apiece. Hallie Higgs contributed Huntington’s lone solo block. 

Mount Vernon hit .279 for the match and was led by Emily Aabye’s 10 kills. Lilla Nicholas added eight kills on a .429 hitting percentage, while setter Bella Claxon orchestrated the offense with 28 assists, two service aces and nine digs. 

Head Coach Kelsey Herber was encouraged by her team’s effort but believes there is another level the Foresters can reach. “I don’t want us to be content with competing with a good team, but rather beating a good team. We are going to work on passing consistently, making quicker adjustments, and reading defense. I believe this team can and will be great. We need to embrace the process and grow each day.” 

The Foresters will look to build on the lessons learned as they continue conference play. With experienced leadership and a young core continuing to develop, Huntington remains focused on turning growth into results as the season progresses. HU returns to action next Wednesday at Grace College. The first serve is set for 7:00pm in Winona Lake.