Greencastle, IN— Millikin University women's volleyball wrapped up regular season play at DePauw University, facing two big named opponents; DePauw and nationally ranked No. 3 Washington University in St. Louis. The Big Blue fell in both matches but managed to take one set against WashU.
In match one against the Tigers of DePauw, Elle Richards led with eight kills at a .500% clip. Gabriella Ricci and Nikkel Johnson added six kills apiece, and Kyra Carothers five. The team finished three sets with 33 kills altogether. Setters Alyssa Frederking and Haylee Porter carried the offense with 27 total assists. Charley Condill was a threat from the service line with two aces to go with her six digs in the backcourt.
In a hard-fought match with the Bears of WashU, the Big Blue dropped the first set and then captured the second, holding the Bears to only seven points in the set. After regathering, the Bears were able to pull away and take the final two sets to win 3-1.
Johnson made her presence known to the No. 3 team by putting down ten kills at a .474% hitting efficiency with two solo blocks and six block assists. Ricci also picked up another nine kills on .226% hitting. Frederking led her teammates to kills 17 times this match, joined by Samantha Breckenridge who also had 17 assists with five service aces and six digs. Francesca Brandonisio covered lots of ground defensively with a match-high 17 digs on the strong offense of WashU.
Millikin volleyball ends the regular season at 14-16 overall on the season and 4-4 in Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play.
The Big Blue have clinched a spot in the CCIW tournament, hosting on Tuesday, November 10 in Griswold Center in Decatur, Illinois.
