RADFORD KNOCKS MARYLAND FROM THE RANKS OF THE UNBEATENS

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BOONE, N.C. – Forced to a fifth set for the second straight match, the Radford volleyball team found another gear and accelerated past Maryland, 3-2 (26-24, 21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11), Friday evening at the Black and Gold Challenge hosted by Appalachian State inside the Holmes Center.

"I am proud of our effort, especially toward the end of the match," commented head coach Marci Jenkins. "That fifth set was one of our best this season. I give a lot of credit to our team for hanging in there. Maryland entered this match unbeaten for a reason. They are athletic, physical and have tremendous size. This is another great win for our team and conference."

Rachel Wiechecki found her offensive rhythm against the Terrapins (6-1), unleashing a season-high 22 kills and digging 12 balls for her eighth double-double of the year. Jena Braden also notched a double-double with 49 assists and 12 digs.

Joining Wiechecki with double-digit kills were Megan Short, who had a career-high 14, and Maddie Palmer, who delivered a season-best 12. Palmer also added 10 digs for her first double-double of the season.

Anchoring the defense was Kelby Jackson, who tallied a season-high 20 digs for her third consecutive double-figure defensive effort. Emma Deininger and Savannah Cantrell finished with two blocks apiece.

Radford (7-2) finished the match with an edge in kills (64-61), hitting percentage (.235-.211), digs (74-67) and aces (7-4).

Adreene Elliott totaled a team-high 20 kills for Maryland. Ashleigh Crutcher and Hailey Murray knocked down 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Carlotta Oggioni passed out a match-high 50 assists, while Amy Dion recorded 25 digs. Oggioni also contributed 12 digs for the lone double-double by a Terrapin.

Maryland was a strong force on the block, charting 13 for the match. Murray and Chavi St. Hill were responsible for six of those.

The Highlanders face tournament host App State at 12:30 p.m. in Saturday's second match of the Black and Gold Challenge. RU wraps up the tournament at 4 p.m. against Georgia State.

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