Hawks Fall In Five To LaGrange

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Off the heels of their 1-1 CCS tri-match split with Asbury and Piedmont, Huntingdon Volleyball returned to Roland Arena, hosting LaGrange College in the final matchup between the Hawks and Panthers of the regular season. The Hawks started strong and grabbed a 2-1 lead through three sets, but couldn't maintain control, falling 3-2 and dropping the season series with the conference rival. 

Claiming the first match between the two teams in their home gym, LaGrange opened tonight's match with a 26-24 first set victory. The two teams recorded an equal number of kills and errors, scoring 7 in each category, but the Panthers got hot at the right time, coming back from a 7-1 deficit to grab a 17-16 lead. Huntingdon responded emphatically with kills from Lily VanDyke, Morgan Suggs, and A'Kirra McElveen putting the Hawks back in front 22-18, but the Panthers outscored Huntingdon 8-2 down the stretch to secure the early advantage. 

In response, the Hawks claimed the next two sets 25-18 and 25-21 as they carved out a one-set advantage for themselves coming down the stretch. Offensively, Huntingdon saw their most efficient sets at the net come in these two victories, commiting just four in the second set and 5 in the third, forcing a total of 14 for LaGrange on the other end. As a result, the Hawks found themselves in control/contention throughout the duration of each set. Early in the second set, the Panthers held a slight advantage, but boosted by LaGrange errors and Morgan Suggs kills, the Hawks found themselves back in the lead 21-15, forcing 3 errors in the final four serves to secure the victory. As for the third set, the two teams traded blows throughout, but clutch play from VanDyke and Lindsey Holland allowed for Huntingdon to stake control. 

Not to be outdone however, LaGrange claimed both the fourth and fifth set to walk away with their five set victory. The Panthers outperformed the Hawks at the net coming down the stretch, recording 7 more kills and 6 less errors to maintain a lead throughout the duration of both sets, putting the Hawks away. 

The Hawks look to bounce back on Saturday, October 25th as they travel to Wesleyan College for a tri-match with the Wolves and Maryville College. Games are set for 1:00 and 3:00 PM CT.