NEED TO KNOW

Score: William Carey 3, Life 0
Record: Life 8-4 (3-1 SSAC)

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The Life University women's volleyball team dropped its first SSAC match of the season Friday night, falling in straight sets (25–14, 25–21, 25–19) on the road to William Carey. Despite moments of strong play, the Running Eagles were unable to overcome the Crusaders' serving pressure and late runs in each frame.

The Crusaders wasted little time in the opener, taking advantage of early miscues to establish an 18–10 lead. Kills from Erica Irby and Lela Parker helped the Running Eagles chip into the margin, but William Carey closed on a 7–4 stretch to secure the first set 25–14.

The Running Eagles regrouped in the second and delivered their best stretch of the match, going point-for-point with the Crusaders through the first half. Parker, re-inserted into the lineup after an absence due to injury, delivered a key block and back-to-back kills by Jade Watson tied the score at 14–14, but William Carey answered with a mini-run behind two service aces to push back in front. The Running Eagles fought within two late, only to see the Crusaders hold firm to take the set 25–21.

The third set mirrored the second with long rallies and tight play throughout. The Running Eagles rallied from a three-point deficit to tie it at 17–17 after a kill from Katrin Hardardottir and an ace by Lauren Holcomb, giving the Running Eagles late momentum. But, William Carey responded once again, finishing the night with an 8–2 stretch that sealed the 25–19 set and completed the sweep.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

– Life finished with 31 kills while William Carey managed 36, out-hitting the Running Eagles .241 to .076.
– The Crusaders tallied 8 service aces compared to just 2 for Life.
– The Running Eagles recorded 6.0 total blocks, led by Parker's four block assists.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES

– Jade Watson paced the Running Eagles with 9 kills and added 3 blocks.
– Katrin Hardardottir was highly efficient, hitting .455 with 6 kills and a block assist.
– Lela Parker contributed 5 kills and a team-best 4 block assists.
– Gabriela Rivera handed out 17 assists and added 4 digs.
– Reigning SSAC Defensive POTW Reign Jarin chipped in with 5 digs and 2 assists 

UP NEXT
The Running Eagles will look to bounce back in SSAC tomorrow as they face Loyola (New Orleans) at 1 pm.