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Radford University Athletics

Home Of The RadFord Highlanders RadFord Highlanders
Team huddle vs. Toledo 2019
3
Winner Toledo TOLEDO 3-2
2
Radford RAD 2-2
Winner
Toledo TOLEDO
3-2
3
Final
2
Radford RAD
2-2
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 5 F
Toledo TOLEDO 20 23 26 25 15 (3)
Radford RAD 25 25 24 21 10 (2)

Game Recap: Volleyball |

HIGHLANDERS TAKE ROCKETS TO THE BRINK AT 2019 RADFORD INVITATIONAL

RADFORD, Va.—The Radford volleyball (2-2) team took to the court for their evening matchup against Toledo (3-2) to conclude day one of the 2019 Radford Invitational Tournament. The Highlanders played the Rockets tough and forced a thrilling five-set bout, with a final score of 3-2. 
 
SET ONE 
Radford got out to a quick start, etching their name on the scoreboard for the first pair of points via a kill by Mallory McKnight and a highlight block by Stephanie Neast. This tick-for-tack opening round would see neither team breakaway until the Highlander's run at the 19th point. A kill from Neast set up by Jordan Coomes walled off any last-ditch effort by the Rockets, taking the set 25-20. 
 
SET TWO
Coomes reigned in the first points for Radford with a service ace. Mirroring the opener, this set teetered back and forth for a total of 13 ties. No true lead was ever realized by either team but thanks to a trifecta of blocks, the Highlanders entered halftime up two sets to the Rockets' none. 
 
SET THREE
Trailing early on, Radford battled back into contention and ramped up their defensive pressure to force a Toledo attack error, which tied the match at 12 all. The Highlanders mounted a brief rally to lead the Rockets 15-12 prior to the media timeout. Tacking on the points and putting distance between themselves and Toledo, Radford forced a timeout after a stunning kill by Samantha Reitz to lead 20-16. The Highlanders reached 24 with hopes to close out the night, however a momentum shift would favor the Rockets who kept Radford at bay of that goal. 
 
SET FOUR
Following the cadence of the previous sets, the tussle between these two teams allowed many lead changes on the quest to reach 25. The Highlanders adjusted mid-set and posted several kills from three different players in addition to a service ace by Maddie Lentz to halt the game at 14 all. A timeout later on in the set allowed Toledo to make some headway toward 25 points with Neast tallying a kill amidst the Rockets' rally. 
 
SET FIVE 
The Highlanders fell behind after tethering themselves to Rockets at five points. The Rockets eventually made their way to the 15th deciding point. A kill from Mackenzie Meehan and a Toledo miscue brought Radford within striking distance at 15-10. 
 
STAT OF THE MATCH 
The Highlander trio of Meehan, McKnight, and Neast helped host a block party for Radford, ending the night as a team with 13 total. The 13 blocks from tonight's match are the most in a match since the 2014 season. 
 
TEAM LEADERS 
Taylor O'Neal had herself a night, notching her first double-double (10 kills, 17 digs) of the young 2019 season as well as posting career highs in two categories—aces and digs. She also led both teams in service aces at five. As a team the Highlanders posted 56 kills with Neast sending 11 of those beaming into Rocket territory. Radford's 80 digs were spearheaded by Grace Green, who took 20 of those for her own. 
 
Coomes also tallied a career high in assists at 20, to led the Highlanders. 
 
UP NEXT
On the second and final day of the Radford Invitational, Radford will take on Fordham and Rider on Saturday, September 7th at 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. respectively. 
 
FOLLOW VOLLEYBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on the Radford volleyball team follow @RadfordVB on Twitter and Instagram or Radford Volleyball on Facebook.
 
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