MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Rhodes volleyball picked up their second win in Southern Athletic Association play, nabbing a 3-1 victory at Millsaps College on Sunday.
The win takes the Lynx to 2-1 in conference, already beating their conference record of a year ago, and 3-10 overall, while the Majors more to 9-7 and 2-1 in the SAA.
Rhodes worked hard to secure a one game lead, winning the first set 25-17. The Lynx swung for eight first set kills, to Millsaps five.
In the second set Rhodes fell behind early 6-3, before scoring three consecutive points from Stephanie Renner, including two kills and one block. The Lynx and Majors had a lot of back and forth action, with 12 tied scores and six lead changes. Millsaps went on a 6-1 point charge to take the second set 25-22, the last set the Lynx would relinquish.
The third set proved to be much of the same back and forth action with eight ties and six lead changes. Rhodes found a four point run mid set, getting a 11-9 lead after a Catherin Grimes kill and several Majors errors. After a 19-19 tie, the Lynx used Lauren Wenzel black and a Alexis Krall kill to take a 21-19 point advantage. Rhodes put away the third set when Grimes sent home the game winning kill, 25-23.
The Lynx limited the Majors gains in the fourth set, opening with a 7-4 lead after three Krall kills and a kill by Mollie Newbern. After a 15-15 tie, Rhodes went on a 5-1 point run propelled by three Newbern kills, and a kill from both Renner and Grimes. The Lynx wrapped up the set and the game with a 25-22 point victory.
"This was a win that came from a lot of heart and execution," said Lynx head coach Kait Harris. "We were in system which gave our setter a chance to run our offense. Middle blocker Stephanie Renner and Lauren Johnson worked extremely hard in the middle. It was a total team effort that I am very proud of. We cannot wait to get back in the floor at home this weekend."
The Lynx were led in assists by Michelle Quina, who handed out 39 assists.
Renner produced 13 kills for a team high while Grimes added 11 and Krall sent home nine. Maraia Tremarelli sprawled for 22 digs with Quina contributing 16, Grimes adding 12 and Leah Washburn snagging 11 digs.
The Lynx will continue their conference stretch as they host Berry College on Spet. 27 at 7 p.m. on parents weekend at Rhodes.
