St. Petersburg, Fla. – Behind a season-high 55 assists and 21 digs by senior setter Devon Woolard, the Lynn University volleyball team defeated Eckerd College in five sets, 21-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 15-13 Saturday afternoon at the Tritons' McArthur Center.
Lynn got help from all over the floor as four players, Katie Bradley, Mallory Deneen, Haley Pratt and Chelsey Semprini all had double-digit kills. Lacy Redwine led the team defensively with 26 digs, while Katie Bradley and Mallory Deneen each double-doubles.
The Fighting Kinights, who improve to 10-5 overall and 3-3 in the Sunshine State Conference, outhit the Tritons .221 to .149 for thematch. Eckerd falls to 5-10 and 0-6 in the SSC.
EC took the first set, 25-21 as both teams struggled offensively. The Tritons took control of the set early, but after a second timeout by Lynn, the Knights fought back to get within two points at 23-21. Eckerd outhit Lynn, .095 to .045, in the opening frame. Pratt had two blocks assists and Redwine recorded nine digs for the Blue & White.
Lynn hit .333 as a team compared to just .154 for Eckerd in the second set to take the frame, 25-21. Pratt, Chelsey Semprini and Kala Abdell all had four kills to lead the Fighting Knights.
A great comeback for Eckerd gave the Tritons the win in the third set as they came back from a 20-12 deficit to win 26-24. EC called its second timeout of the game after trailing eight and went on a 7-3 run to force a timeout by the Knights. A 4-1 Tritons rally cut the lead to 24-23 and another Lynn timeout. Two kills by Kaleigh Humphrey gave Eckerd the victory. Both teams hit an identical .259 in the third set.
Mallory Deneen had eight kills, including the game-winner in the fourth set as Lynn held on for a 25-21 victory. After taking a 12-7 lead, LU allowed EC to go on a 5-1 run to force a Lynn timeout. The lead flipped back to Eckerd but Lynn rode Deneen and Woolard to come back and get the victory. The Knights hit an impressive .244 in the set to get the frame.
Eckerd took control of the deciding set early, taking a 5-2 lead and forcing Lynn to call a timeout. The teams changed sides with the Tritons holding an 8-5 lead, but LU scored the next two points as Eckerd called a timeout leading 8-7. Lynn would take its first lead at 9-8 after a block by Pratt and Woolard. The teams would then trade points as Deneen kills gave Lynn leads at 10-9 and 11-10. EC regained the lead, 12-11 on an ace forcing a Lynn timeout. A kill by Semprini gave Lynn back the lead at 13-12 to force an Eckerd timeout. After n Eckerd score, Deneen recorded another kill and an Eckerd attack error gave Lynn the match at 15-13.
Lynn is back home in the friendly confines of the de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center Wednesday, October 5 when they host Florida Tech at 7:00 pm. Fans can follow all of the action live by logging on towww.LynnFightingKnights.com and selecting "Game Central."
