MARIETTA, Ga. ---- The (RV) Life University women's volleyball team split a pair of matches Thursday night at home as the team rallied in the nightcap to defeat Bryan in five sets for the 20th win this season.

Life U started the afternoon with a Mid-South Conference matchup against Cumberland University. The Running Eagles fell to the Phoenix 3-1 losing the first two games 25-19 and 25-21 before rallying in game three with a 25-21 win. The Phoenix took set four 25-22 to earn the MSC win. 

Individually, Caitlyn Neal picked up 13 kills and eight digs with a service ace and a block assist. Lena Pucnik tallied another double-double with 13 kills and 13 digs. Kennedy Neal finished with 31 assists as Marin Black added a pair of service aces and 30 digs. 

As a team, Life U finished with 47 kills and 28 errors to finish with a .114 hitting percentage. Life U led Cumberland in blocks 6-2. Both teams picked up eight aces as Cumberland led Life U in digs, 83-81, and kills, 51-47. 

In the final match of the night, the Running Eagles came from behind after losing the first two sets to Bryan 25-22 and 25-19. Life U managed to sweep the remaining three sets 25-21, 25-20 and 17-15. The team effort was encouraged from behind the service line where the Running Eagles totaled 14 aces.

Individually, Carla Rivera totaled a career-high seven aces as Pucnik continued her stellar night with 23 kills, 18 digs, three aces and two block assists. Both Mary Zimmerman and Morgan Furness finished with five block assists as Black added 33 digs. Caitlyn Neal also finished in double figures with 12 kills as K. Neal and Brie Montgomery finished with 27 assists each.

Life U led Bryan in all statistical categories except for blocks, where the Lions held a 14-10 advantage. Life U finished with 60 kills and a hitting percentage of .114. The Running Eagles led the Lions 93-91 in digs, 55-48 in assists, 14-8 in aces and 60-51 in kills.

The women's volleyball team will return to action on Saturday, March 13, when they host No. 23 Lindsey Wilson at 12 PM and No. 25 Reinhardt at 5 PM.