Decatur, IL-- Millikin University women's volleyball hosted Elmhurst University for a Collegiate Conference in Illinois and Wisconsin contest in Griswold Center Friday evening. The Big Blue rallied hard in the first set, carrying it out all the way through to take the match 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-14); improving to 10-13 overall and 1-3 in CCIW play.
The Big Blue started off strong with 10 team kills from six individuals at a .308% clip and four team blocks with three assisted by Nikkel Johnson. Haylee Porter also added two service aces, totaling her at 28 on the season.
Both teams were giving all they have in set two with five ties and two lead changes. With 13 kills with 12 assisted and three service aces by the end of the set, Millikin was able to conquer the second to go up two-none. Middle blockers Johnson picked up four kills on .500% hitting efficiency and Kyra Carothers with three on a .750 clip.
Everything was in favor of the Big Blue with the Bluejays hitting negative numbers, not able to side out. MU concluded the final set with 10 kills on 10 assists and three team blocks.
Carothers, Johnson, Maggye Smith, and Elle Richards all finished the match with five or more kills. Porter and Alyssa Frederking both had double-digit assists with a combined amount of 29, Frederking also had a match-high four service aces. Defensively, Francesca Brandoniso tied the match-high 12 digs, and the team had nine blocks.
This marks the first win in CCIW play for Millikin volleyball, now at a 1-3 conference record.
The Big Blue are back in action on Wednesday, October 21 at Wheaton College with first whistle set for 7PM, also being streamed on the CCIW Network.
