MARIETTA, Ga. – Life University volleyball (7-1) finished the annual Running Eagle Classic with a 4-0 record, winning matches against Ave Maria and Point University on Saturday.
 
In the first game of the day against Ave Maria, the Running Eagles swept AMU 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 29-27). Juniors Liz Mann and Chelsea Hill paced the squad with 10 kills apiece, with Mann adding seven digs and a block. Junior Gaby Ferran contributed 23 digs. Sophomore Jamese Scott added three kills and three blocks.
 
From the start of the first set, Life U looked dominant. Thanks to several runs, the Running Eagles took the opening frame 25-17.
 
Ave Maria seemed to gain its footing in the second, but unfortunately could not withstand Life U's runs. The Running Eagles eventually claimed the set 25-19.
 
The third set was most tightly contested of the match and could be decided in the usual 25 points. Both teams traded point back and forth all match, but Life U eventually took the set and match with a 29-27 decision.
 
In the last match of the day, the Running Eagles faced their stiffest competition of the weekend, but came out on top 3-1 (18-25, 28-26, 26-24, 25-18). Mann logged her second double-double of the year with 22 kills and 14 digs, as well as a block. Hill also contributed 11 kills, three blocks and two digs. Ferran added 17 digs and an assist.
 
The first set began with both teams trading points back and forth for the majority of the set with 10 ties and four lead changes. However, the Skyhawks were able to take advantage of some momentum and went on a 9-2 run to close out the frame with a 25-18 decision.
 
The Running Eagles seemed to right themselves between sets opened the second frame on a 5-0 run. Point slowly began to chip away at the lead and eventually tied it at 14-14. From neither team was able to gain more than a three-point lead, but Life U eventually claimed the set 28-26.
 
The momentum seemed to switch as the third set began, with the Skyhawks leading for the majority of the set. They're largest lead came at 17-12. The Running Eagles kept battling and eventually stole the frame on the last two points to take a 26-24 decision.
 
The fourth and final set was Life U as they never trailed in the set. The Running Eagles would claim the match and the set with a 25-18 decision.
 
Liz Mann was named to the All-Tournament team for her performance in the four games this weekend.
 
Life U is back in action on Sept. 1 as they travel to West Palm Beach, Fla. to compete in the 2017 Labor Day Volleyfest.