LYNCHBURG, Va. – Facing a pair of strong opponents, the Radford volleyball team fell 3-0 to both Eastern Michigan and Liberty on Friday. The program moves to 4-7 on the season.
RADFORD vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN RECAP
The Highlanders couldn't keep their momentum going from last weekend's win over UMES, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Eastern Michigan Eagles to begin the tournament in Lynchburg.
Although the team looked strong coming out of the gates, the first set delivered one of the toughest pills to swallow all season. Radford parlayed a 7-0 run into what seemed to be a comfortable 24-18 lead in the opening frame before the Eagles went on an 8-0 run of their own to steal victory away and go ahead, 1-0.
The second set was nearly as contentious, with another two-point differential being the deciding factor. The Highlanders earned a match-high 42 attack attempts, but their hitting percentage dropped from .162 to .071, due in part to 10 errors.
The ladies in red and white showed zero quit, battling hard throughout the third set to stay alive, but struggled to turn the tides and fell victim to a sweep.
Crystal Childs led the way with 10 kills and eight digs, while also topping the team in total blocks with three.
Fiona Baker dished out 25 assists and
Taylor Jefferson notched a team-high 13 digs.
KEY STATS
- Radford bested EMU in the aces department, 6-5
- Macy Pace made her third career appearance and got up for a block assist
- Eastern Michigan racked up 55.0 points to Radford's 41.0 points and earned a 42-to-32 advantage in kills
RADFORD vs. LIBERTY RECAP
The second match of the day looked somewhat similar to the first, with the Highlanders looking like they'd undoubtedly compete for an addition to the win column. Radford traded points with the Flames and at one point went on a small 3-0 streak, eventually tying the game at 17-all.
It was then that Liberty went on a 5-0 run, taking control of the contest and wrapping up a 25-21 win to go ahead, 1-0. Despite the setback, 11 kills on a .333 hitting percentage gave the visitors plenty of hope heading deeper into the match.
The second set revealed a completely different Radford team, however – one that had more errors than kills and struggled to slow down a dangerous Liberty attack. The Flames went up early and never looked back, recording a 25-9 win to get one set away from ending the match.
Head Coach
Sherisa Livingston rallied the team and they got back on track in the third set, keeping it close throughout. A 3-0 run that featured back-to-back kills from
Sophie Paspal and another from
Tytianna Roberts forced a Liberty timeout. The hosts came out of the break refocused though, finishing the job with four straight points.
Taylor Jefferson led the Highlanders with seven kills and five digs while Paspal ended the match with six kills. Roberts and
Crystal Childs added five kills each and four other players recorded at least one kill each.
KEY STATS
HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT
UP NEXT
Radford takes the stage one more time this weekend as it faces off against Coppin State on Saturday. The match is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
FOLLOW RADFORD VOLLEYBALL
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