GRAYSON, Ky. — Despite a strong offensive performance from senior Nyla Gaines, the Midway University women's volleyball team fell to Kentucky Christian University in straight sets on Friday night in the River States Conference Game of the Week.
The Eagles dropped the match by scores of 25-21, 25-22 and 25-23, with all three sets decided by four points or fewer.
With the loss, Midway fell to 6-21 overall and 2-8 in conference play, while Kentucky Christian improved to 2-21 overall and 2-8 in the RSC.
The result also marked a split in the regular-season series after Midway defeated the Knights in four sets on Oct. 2 at Marshall Gymnasium.
First Set
Midway opened the match with momentum, scoring the first three points to take an early advantage.
Gaines helped spark the Eagles' offense with two early kills as Midway looked to establish control on the road.
However, Kentucky Christian responded, taking advantage of opportunities to work its way back into the set.
The two teams continued to battle throughout the opening frame, but the Knights eventually pulled away to claim a 25-21 victory.
Midway finished the set with 11 kills while hitting .125, compared to 10 kills and a .182 hitting percentage for Kentucky Christian.
Second Set
The Eagles continued to battle in the second set, looking to even the match at one set apiece.
Midway recorded 12 kills in the frame, but offensive errors proved costly as the Eagles committed 10 attacking errors.
Kentucky Christian capitalized on those opportunities, recording 13 kills while hitting .186.
Despite keeping the score close throughout the set, Midway was unable to find the points needed to even the contest.
The Knights claimed the second set 25-22 to take a 2-0 advantage into the third.
Third Set
Facing a two-set deficit, Midway turned in its strongest offensive set of the evening.
The Eagles recorded 14 kills while hitting .190, their highest hitting percentage of the match.
Midway also held Kentucky Christian to a .135 hitting percentage in the frame.
The Eagles remained within striking distance throughout the set, but the Knights managed to hold off the late push.
Kentucky Christian secured the third set 25-23 to complete the three-set victory.
Inside the Box Score
Gaines led Midway offensively with a match-high 11 kills while hitting an impressive .391. The Lexington, Kentucky, native committed just two attacking errors on 23 attempts and added two block assists.
Freshman Emma Figgins followed with five kills, while sophomore Mayson Delong contributed four.
Freshman Elli Streutker added three kills and two total blocks, while sophomore Lanie Cornelius recorded two kills and two block assists.
Freshman setter Mayme Powell directed the Eagles' offense with a team-high 21 assists, while junior Peyton Osteen contributed nine.
Defensively, junior Blair Riney led Midway with a match-high 19 digs while adding two service aces.
Junior Danica Clark finished with 12 digs and one service ace, while sophomore Aubry Kamholz added six digs.
Aleeyah Ladd contributed three block assists to lead the Eagles at the net.
Kentucky Christian was led by Elizabeth Rigsby, who recorded 12 kills while hitting .300. Breanna Schiwart added nine kills, while Amber Nelson contributed eight.
Mary Ansley Herrington finished with 32 assists for the Knights, while Josie Payton recorded a team-high 15 digs.
Midway finished with 56 digs, 35 assists, three service aces and six total blocks.
Kentucky Christian recorded 35 kills, 35 assists, 59 digs, five service aces and four total blocks.
Looking Ahead
Midway will return to action on Tuesday, Oct. 27, when the Eagles travel to Georgetown College for a nonconference matchup at 6 p.m.
The Eagles will then return to Marshall Gymnasium for their final three regular-season conference matches.
Midway will host IU East on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. before welcoming WVU Tech on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. and Rio Grande on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
