WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Huntington University women’s volleyball team welcomed the Crossroads League leaders to Platt Arena on Saturday afternoon, falling to Grace College in straight sets, 25-17, 25-21, 25-18. 

The loss moves the Foresters to 11-14 overall and 4-7 in conference play, while the Lancers improve to 22-3 overall and 10-1 in league action. 

Grace established control early in the opening set, racing out to a 10-4 advantage behind a balanced offensive attack. Huntington responded with a 7-3 run to trim the deficit to 13-11, but the Lancers answered with another surge to regain momentum and eventually claim the set, 25-17. 

The second frame proved to be Huntington’s most competitive set of the afternoon. After trailing 10-6 early, the Foresters battled back and took an 11-10 lead on a Maggie Hollon kill. The two teams traded points throughout the middle portion of the set before Grace used a late run to pull away and secure a 25-21 victory. 

Huntington remained within striking distance for much of the third set as well. The score was tied 15-15 before the Lancers scored six consecutive points to create separation. The Foresters responded with three straight points to cut the margin to 21-18, but Grace closed the match with four of the final five points to complete the sweep. 

The difference came in offensive efficiency. Grace hit .294 as a team while producing 46 kills and just 11 attack errors. The Foresters were limited to a .111 hitting percentage and finished with 35 kills. 

Maggie Hollon led the Huntington offense with 12 kills and two service aces. Liz Blackburn added 11 kills and a solo block, while Trevyn Terry contributed six kills, two solo blocks and a service ace. Lauren Ross directed the offense with 28 assists while also recording 15 digs, two kills and a service ace. 

Defensively, Kennedy Urban led the Foresters with 18 digs, while Ross added 15 digs and Jadyn Samson chipped in seven digs. Huntington totaled 59 digs and six total blocks in the match. 

Head coach Kelsey Herber credited Grace’s balance and defensive discipline while highlighting the efforts of several Foresters. 

“Grace does a fantastic job defending their front line and back line. They’re also tough to defend with always having three strong attackers in their front row,” said Herber. “I thought we executed our service pressure. However, it was challenging for us to terminate the ball and pick up their variety of shots and angles. I thought Kennedy Urban read well on defense and that Lauren Ross sought to push the tempo whenever she could. Even on the hard days, I love this team and I’m proud of this team, and I would choose them any day.” 

Huntington returns to action on Wednesday at 7 p.m. when the Foresters travel to Bethel University for another Crossroads League matchup.