MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Rhodes volleyball fell in four sets to conference foe's Centre College on Sunday, 3-1.
The loss moves the Lynx back to 9-18 and 6-8 in conference play while the Colonels advance to 20-4 and 12-2 in the SAA.
Rhodes came out a bit sluggish in the first set to open the match. Rhodes kept the match close from the start, but saw the Colonels pull ahead with a seven point scoring stretch, at 12-5. The Lynx found their grove and surged at the end of the match but the effort wasn't enough as they dropped the first set 25-16.
The Lynx gained momentum in the second set, seeing five tied scores in the first 10 points. After a score of eight all, Centre pulled away with 15-10 lead. The Lynx weren't ready to relinquish the game yet, and fought to come back in the final five points. After a kill from Alexis Krall, to make the score 24-20 the Lynx could overcome the Colonels, and fell 25-21.
The third set was all Rhodes as the Lynx pulled out to an early lead with an 11 point run, including two service aces by
Michelle Quina. After two Centre timeouts, the Colonels got back in the swing and fought back to make up ground, pulling within three points at 18-15 after a Suzanne Asbury kill. Rhodes sealed the deal after a pair of kills from
Lauren Wenzel and Krall to make the final count 25-22.
The final set was a tight battle throughout with nine tied scores and three lead changes. Rhodes pulled out to a quick 3-0 lead off a pair of kills from Krall and
Mollie Newbern. The early three point lead would be the largest throughout the set until the deciding points. Each squad battled back and forth until Centre pulled away with a 24-20 lead. Rhodes continued to fight, but couldn't muster a comeback as they eventually fell 25-22.
The Lynx were led in offense by
Michelle Quina, who had a game high 35 assists.
Maraia Tremarelli led all passers in digs as well, with 20 digs.
Tasha Heller added 12 pick-ups and Quina contributed 11.
Rhodes' attack was spearheaded by Alexis Krall, who swung for 16 kills.
Mollie Newbern had a stellar performance, adding 12 kills in the match.
Rhodes will finish out their home schedule next weekend as they host the Rhodes Classic on Nov. 2. Participating teams include Hendrix College, Birmingham Southern, Mississippi College, and Martin Methodist. The games are set to be played at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
