Kenosha, WI— Millikin University women's volleyball traveled four hours to Carthage College for a Collegiate Conference in Illinois and Wisconsin contest. The Big Blue were victorious in critical moments, taking the match in four (3-1) over the Firebirds.
Opening the match with 15 kills as a team with seven different Big Blue contributing to the load. Alyssa Frederking picked up eight assists and Haylee Porter four to carry the Millikin offense, helping finish the set 25-21.
Carthage did not let up in the second set, overcoming adversity to force Millikin into negative hitting efficiency while hitting .269% as a team. Taking set two 25-15, the Firebirds evened out the match 1-1.
All momentum sitting with Carthage to begin the third following a blowout second set, the Big Blue "showed determination, grit, and toughness tonight", says Interim Head Coach Hannah Dick. A well needed set for both teams with the upper hand at stake turned into an extended brawl, resulting in a final score of 28-26 with Millikin's Thayleah Hall putting down her eighth kill of the night to end it.
"Every single player embraced their role and executed it at an extremely high level", added Dick. Putting all the pieces together, MU was able to "stay together and find a way to get it done", holding the Firebirds to a .121 hitting percentage in the final set, taking the match with a score of 25-22.
Elle Richards picked up a season and match-high 14 kills with three block assists. Kyra Carothers added nine kills at a clip of .438 with four block assists. In Hall's return to the court, she was one short of a doube-double with nine kills and 15 digs, making an impact when needed the most.
Frederking and Porter combined for 39 assists, 15 digs, and four service aces as three rotation setters. Francesca Brandonisio finished with 15 digs and Charley Condill ten, putting up big numbers to slow down the Carthage front row. The team finished defensively with a total of 71 digs and seven team blocks.
The Big Blue took a well-needed win to improve to 11-14 overall and 2-4 in CCIW play, still fighting for a spot in the CCIW Tournament. Coach Dick also expresses that "it's never easy coming to Carthage and competing, especially [with them] sitting second in the conference. I couldn't be prouder of this group and the way they fought for each other tonight."
Back in action this Friday, October 30, volleyball welcomes Augustana College for another CCIW contest; this match will feature The Hidden Opponent pregame to bring awareness to student-athlete mental health. First serve is set for 7PM in Griswold Center, also being streamed on the CCIW Network.
