MARIETTA, Ga. ---- The Life University women's volleyball team continued its program-best start with a pair of victories to conclude the Running Eagle classic and move to 7-0 on the year.

The milestones continued to pile up as the Running Eagles tallied 20 service aces. Taylor Rubtsov surpassed 2,000 career assists as she totaled 73 on the day. The team is currently ranked second in the NAIA with 3.22 service aces per game. 

Life U started the day with a 3-1 win over Southeastern. Southeastern won the opener 25-22, however Life U responded with three consecutive set wins 25-17, 25-15 and 25-21. 

Offensively, Pucnik again paced the Running Eagles with 19 kills and three service aces on a double-double with 23 digs. Caitlyn Neal also finished in double figures with 17 kills and two service aces. Mary Zimmerman added 10 kills with a solo block. Rubtsov totaled 52 assists with a pair of service aces and eight digs as Marin Black totaled 28 digs. Michele O'Haver (17), Savannah Keener (12) and Fayola Louis (10) also finished in double figures for digs.

Life U continued to dominate the box score leading in every statistical category except blocks. The team totaled 67 kills and hit .217. They led Southeastern 8-1 in service aces, 63-35 in assists and 112-95 in digs.

In the tournament finale, Life U earned a 3-0 sweep over Middle Georgia. The Running Eagles won straight sets 25-20, 25-18 and 25-22. 

Carla Narvaez led the way offensively with 10 kills in the match. Pucnik added nine as Louis finished with seven. Rubtsov added 21 more assists as Kennedy Neal took over with 13 to finish the match. Black was the only Running Eagle to record double digit numbers in digs with 28. Keener and O'Haver led the way with three service aces each.

Life U again led the box score in all areas for the third time in the tournament. Life U finished with 45 kills and hit .218 as they limited Middle Georgia to a .093 hitting percentage. Life U led 12-5 in service aces, 39-24 in assists and 64-57 in digs.

The women's volleyball team will return to action on Friday, October 30, as they travel down to Southeastern University to compete in a tournament. They will face Florida National at 12 PM and Keiser University at 2 PM on the opening day.


For the latest information on the Running Eagles women's volleyball program, visit LifeRunningEagles.com. Continue the conversation on social media via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.