LEXINGTON, KY — Transylvania volleyball battled Mount St. Joseph University Wednesday night at the Clive M. Beck Center, falling 3-1 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action.
Transylvania opened the match with a dominant offensive performance, capturing the first set 25-17. The Pioneers recorded 17 kills with just two attack errors on 32 attempts, posting a .469 hitting percentage to take an early 1-0 advantage. Mount St. Joseph responded in the second set, recording 15 kills and a .412 hitting percentage to claim a 25-18 victory and even the match at one set apiece.
The Lions carried their momentum into the third set, recording 17 kills while hitting .350 to secure a 25-21 victory. Transylvania remained competitive throughout the frame, finishing with 15 kills and a .216 hitting percentage, but Mount St. Joseph pulled ahead to take a 2-1 advantage in the match.
Facing a one-set deficit, Transylvania looked to force a decisive fifth set. The Pioneers recorded 13 kills in the fourth frame, but nine attack errors limited their offensive efficiency. Mount St. Joseph capitalized on the opportunity, securing a 25-19 victory to close out the match in four sets.
Addie Atcher led the Transylvania offense with a match-high 24 kills on 45 attempts, finishing with a .378 hitting percentage. Payton Avilez followed with 13 kills, while Cecelia Roberts added seven kills and three block assists. Peyton Mast contributed six kills, and Megan Sweeney added five kills while directing the Pioneers' offense with 38 assists.
Defensively, Julia Brown led Transylvania with 13 digs and five assists, while Reece Houston added 12 digs and five assists. Sweeney and Soleil Sabin each recorded nine digs, while Megan Helander contributed seven digs and two service aces. Chloe Jensen anchored the Pioneers' presence at the net with two solo blocks and a block assist.
Despite the setback, Transylvania's performance was highlighted by Atcher's 24-kill effort and an impressive opening set in which the Pioneers hit .469. Transylvania returns to action on Friday night as they take on Huntingdon College. First serve is set for 6 PM at the Clive M. Beck Center.
Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
