The women's volleyball team made their home debut this past weekend at the Emory Classic, winning four straight matches against Transylvania University (Ky.), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Randolph-Macon College (Va.) and Bowdoin College (Maine).
Off to a good start on Friday, Emory dominated the first set against the Transylvania Pioneers, 25-10.
The Pioneers fought back in the second and third sets, but the Eagles held their ground with 25-15 and 25-20 wins.
Sophomore Jessica Holler and senior Leah Jacobs led the team with nine kills each.
Shortly after this win, the Eagles played in a gut-wrenching game against the Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks which ended in a 3-1 victory.
After the Eagles fought to win the first set 25-23, the Warhawks were able to secure a second set win 30-28. Picking up the lead with 16 kills. sophomore setter
Sarah Maher was able to lead the Eagles to win the last two sets 30-28 and 25-22.
Even when the Warhawks looked especially strong, the Eagles' confidence did not falter.
"I think the amazing thing about this season for our team is that we have had a few close games, yet to us it never feels like we're in a tough situation," Maher said.
The Eagles returned Saturday looking poised and focused for their match against the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets. Although the Yellow Jackets led with 38 total kills over the Eagles' 36, Emory was able to shut out the Yellow Jackets with a 3-0 win.
"We have fantastic leaders who are keeping our team focused and headed in the right direction," Head Coach Jenny McDowell said.
The Eagles were then able to register their fourth and final win with a 3-1 lead over the Bowdoin College Polar Bears, upping their record to 4-0.
Junior setter Sydney Miles dealt out a total of 126 assists over the four matches, while senior outside hitter Kate Bowman contributed a total of 43 digs to the Eagle's victory.
"We had a great weekend. We continue to improve in specific areas of our game, and we have a strong desire to continue to get better," McDowell said. "I love this team, their attitude and their passion to be great."
The Eagles return to action Friday, Sept. 19 to kickoff the challenging Elmhurst Invitational in Illinois.
"I know our players want to play the best
teams in the country, so that is why I schedule the toughest teams I can." McDowell said. "We will be playing four top 20 teams this weekend, and we will be ready."
– By Jenny Nutovits
