HOOVER, Ala. – The Embry-Riddle women's volleyball team began the second day of play at the South Regional Volleyball Crossover tournament on Saturday morning with a 3-1 over Montevallo University. With the win, the Eagles are now on a two-match winning streak and improve to 6-7, while Montevallo drops to 7-10
Olivia Roa was spectacular defensively as she picked up 39 digs in the contest.
Melanie Canfield led the way offensively with 15 kills and four aces for the Eagles.
Theresa Jordan had 13 kills and 12 digs,
Ella Duggan had eight kills and eight blocks,
Paola Virella had seven kills and 15 digs, and
Alyssa Rudd was the leader in assists with 41.
The first set was extremely hard fought on both sides with nine ties and ten lead changes as neither team could get any momentum offensively until late in the first. With the score tied at 16-16, the Blue and Gold went on a 9-4 run and would take the first set 25-20.
In the second set, things did not get any easier for either side as it was back-and-forth once again. With the score tied at nine-nine, the Eagles 6-2 run and would lead the Falcons 15-11. Montevallo would not go quietly as they countered with a 7-3 run to even the score at 18-18. The teams would trade points and find themselves at a 23-23 draw. But the Eagles would win the final two points and take the second set 25-23.
Montevallo got things started in the third set taking an early 5-2 lead. The Eagles countered with a 4-1 run to even the score at 6-6. Both teams traded the lead and the team would tie at 15-15. The Falcons proceeded to go on a 7-3 run to take the lead 22-18 forcing an Eagle timeout. The Blue and Gold would not bow down and managed to even things up at 23-23. The Falcons would take the final two points and would take the third set 25-23.
The Falcons began the fourth frame with a 6-3 lead, but the Eagles would erase that deficit by going on an impressive 13-4 run to regain the lead at 16-10. However, the Falcons had a substantial 9-3 run of their own and evened the score at 19-19 forcing Embry-Riddle to call a timeout. But the Eagles showed a lot of intestinal fortitude and would not allow Montevallo to take the lead. The Blue and Gold would win the fourth frame 26-24, securing a 3-1 victory.
The Eagles will get a couple hours off before returning to the hardwood as the Blue and Gold will go into battle with Mississippi College in game two of Saturday's double-header. Game-time is set to come at 5:45 pm.
