RADFORD OUTLASTS EAGLES IN BATTLE OF DEFENDING CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

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MOREHEAD, Ky. – For the second time this season, Radford volleyball fell behind 0-2 heading into intermission. Unlike earlier in the day, the Highlanders were able to complete the comeback by winning the last three sets to nip Morehead State, 3-2 (23-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-9), on its home court Friday night as part of the Eagle Challenge inside Wetherby Gym.

"This is a huge win for our program," head coach Marci Jenkins said. "I am pleased with the way we responded after not playing well in the NKU match. We made some adjustments and looked much sharper tonight. In terms of RPI, Morehead State is the highest-ranked program we have ever beaten since I've been at Radford."

The match featured two defending conference champions as Radford (Big South) and Morehead State (Ohio Valley) both advanced to the 2013 NCAA tournament.

Rachel Wiechecki and Jena Braden produced double-doubles for the Highlanders (1-1), who defeated MSU for the first time in four attempts. Wiechecki, who also had a double-double in the afternoon match against Northern Kentucky, finished with 11 kills, 13 digs and four aces. Braden dished out 38 assists, 10 digs and four aces.

Cheyanne James led the offense with her 14 kills, while Megan Short cranked 10 kills to provide a spark late in the match. Defensively, Emma Deininger swatted six Eagle attacks and Savanna Burton reached double-figure digs for the second time on the day with 11.

Although serving let RU down in the NKU match, it was arguably the Highlanders' biggest asset in the nightcap. Radford struck 11 aces compared to just three by the opposition.

Morehead State (0-1) placed three of its players in double figures, offensively. Middle blocker Hannah Sigala put down a match-high 16 kills, hitting .520 in the process. Laura McDermott and Alli Evans contributed 12 and 11 kills, respectively. At the net, Sigala and McDermott were responsible for seven blocks apiece.

Despite facing a 0-2 deficit at intermission, the Highlanders were in contention in both of the opening stanzas as the score was tied at 23 in both sets before Morehead State reeled off back-to-back points.

In the third set, Radford fell behind early as MSU scored the opening five points. However, the Highlanders responded and eventually tied the score at 11 following a Wiechecki ace. With the score still tied at 16, RU embarked on a 5-1 spurt to create enough separation for the Highlanders to stay alive.

Radford remained on the offensive in the fourth set, building a 13-8 lead following a Braden ace. The Eagles pulled within one (17-16) after a Sigala kill, but Radford stood its ground and finished off the frame to force a fifth set.

Already ahead 6-5 in the deciding stanza, RU seized control of the match on the strength of Braden's superior serving. The senior setter charted three aces during a pivotal 6-0 surge that gave the Highlanders a 12-5 favor. Morehead State got no closer than five the rest of the way.

These two sides will meet again Saturday at 5 p.m. in the finale of the Eagle Challenge. Live stats and live video will be available.

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