Volleyball’s furious comeback falls short vs. Carnegie Mellon

The Muskingum volleyball team fell just short in their comeback bid versus Carnegie Mellon. Despite trailing 2-0 early on, Muskingum rallied and pushed the match to five sets before falling 15-11.

The Basics

• Records: Muskingum (12-5 Overall), Carnegie Mellon (13-3 Overall)
• Location: Anne C. Steele Center
• Attendance: 347

Notables

• Despite trailing 2-0 after the first two sets, Muskingum battled back to even the match at two apiece and force a pivotal fifth frame. Muskingum's furious comeback fell short as the Tartans held on for a 15-11 win in the final set.

How it Happened

• After Carnegie Mellon jumped out to a 7-5 lead in the opening frame, Muskingum battled back to tie the score at 8-8.
• Both teams traded the lead back and forth before eventually being knotted up again, this time with the score at 17-17.
• The Tartans managed to string together an 8-4 run to close out the frame, and claim the first set 25-21.
• The second set featured the same back and forth play that the first set offered.
• Despite 11 ties and seven lead changes in the set, Carnegie Mellon hung on to claim the 25-22 win.
• In set three, Carnegie Mellon jumped out to a quick 8-3 lead. However, Muskingum answered right back with a 7-2 run of their own to pull within one point.
• Muskingum eventually took the lead at 13-12 off a service ace from junior Lexie Huck, but found themselves trailing once again after the Tartans took a 17-16 lead.
• Despite Carnegie Mellon's momentum, the Muskies closed the set on a 9-4 run to win the frame 25-21.
• In set four, Muskingum jumped out to a fast 5-1 lead and eventually extended their advantage to 12-5.
• Carnegie Mellon would battle back and make draw their deficit to two at 13-11, but Muskingum then rattled off five straight points to extend their lead to 18-11.
• Despite a late push by the Tartans, Muskingum held on for the 25-23 set four victory.
• In the decisive fifth set, Carnegie Mellon jumped out to a quick 7-2 advantage. However, following the theme of the game, Muskingum had an answer for the Tartans' fast start. The Muskies rattled off an 8-3 run to knot the score at 10 apiece.
• Despite Muskingum holding the momentum, Carnegie Mellon closed the fifth set on a 5-1 run and claimed the winner-take-all frame 15-11.

Inside the Numbers

• The Muskies were led by junior Lexie Huck who tallied a game-high 17 kills. Huck also registered 24 kills as well.
• Junior Khloe Taylor turned in a solid effort with 11 kills and four digs, while senior Emma Conrad filled the stat sheet with 44 assists, 22 digs, and seven kills.
• Junior Raegan Flood recorded nine kills and five digs, while senior Emma Dunham chipped in eight kills and five digs.
• Senior Gracie Collins totaled a team-high 31 digs for Muskingum, while freshman Quinn Horn had a solid outing with 13 digs and six kills.
• Freshman Alana Alexander had 12 kills for the Muskies as well.
• Carnegie Mellon was led by Bella Woodard with 14 kills, while Stella Yan tallied 46 assists.
• As a team, Muskingum totaled 59 kills, 54 assists, 126 digs, and eight service aces.

Up Next

• Muskingum will be back in action on Wednesday, October 12, when they travel to OAC-foe Capital. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Bexley, Ohio.