The volleyball season is nearing its end, but the Bucs are looking to end on a high note.
Last Saturday, the Furman University Paladins entered Brooks Gym. The Paladins currently sit at the top of the SoCon standings, being undefeated in our conference.
Not ones to back down from a challenge, the Bucs came out swinging with their younger players leading the charge. Freshman Lexie Libs (Floyds Knobs, Indiana) gave ETSU a fiery start with a 10-0 run off her serves, ending the game with a total of 20 aces.
ETSU also delivered 6 blocks in the first set, including 2 back to back to seal the set.
However, the Bucs did not rest on their laurels. A quick block to start the game set the standard, and a few runs in a row set ETSU up in a favorable 9-5 score.
Sophomore Kaela Massey (Brentwood, Tennessee) delivered 5 aces in a row to turn the score into 14-5. The Paladins began setting the stage for a comeback, eventually coming within 3 points of the Bucs. Unfortunately for the Paladins, Libs denied any thoughts of a comeback, with 7 aces in a row, and then a kill to end the set.
With the first 2 sets falling easily to ETSU, Furman looked to come out strong and secure a win. The third set started out as a back and forth affair, with the two teams sitting tied at 8 to 8. It continued to be a tight game for the remainder of the set.
However, the Bucs managed to maintain the lead, and junior Braedyn Tutton (Ontario, Canada) earned a kill to hand Furman it’s first conference loss, and ETSU a convincing victory near the end of the season.
ETSU still sits below Furman in the SoCoN rankings, with Wofford right behind them in third place.
There is still four games remaining on the season, including Nov. 11, when ETSU hosts Wofford to end the regular season.
An encouraging win, with stellar performances from the younger players, will go a long way in helping ETSU’s playoff run and future seasons.
