The Lipscomb volleyball team was boldly victorious over the North Alabama Lions in straight sets at Allen Arena Friday night.
The team opened a packed two-game weekend with a pregame tailgate and a bittersweet senior night. Lipscomb recognized five seniors: Logan Gish, Garrett Joiner, Kat Lowry, Alex Spencer, and Lanie Wagner.
To begin the night, North Alabama claimed the first three points before Kat Lowry fired a kill that was mishit off a defender.
Despite her season-ending injury, Wagner stepped on the court to serve for Lipscomb.
“It was really cool to see us gather around each other,” hitter Addi Pelham said. “We were very encouraging towards one another, especially for the seniors tonight.”
Both teams struggled to keep their attacks in play. However, Garrett Joiner was able to break the streak sending the Bisons on a 4-0 run to tie the set 7-7.
Pelham aided her team to a 14-9 lead, firing back-to-back kills over the net, forcing a North Alabama timeout.
Staying ahead, Pelham teamed up with Meg Mersman for the remainder of the critical points of set one. The two hitters charged the net with a solid block followed by a solo kill from each. These points carried the Bisons to set point, which was quickly earned by a service error from the Lions. Lipscomb took the first set 25-13.
Lanie Wagner opened up set two with a service for Lipscomb. Unlike the first set, the teams battled for the lead point-by-point with multiple errors from the home team. It wasn’t until the score reached 6-6 that Lipscomb held another 4-0 run led by seniors Garrett Joiner and Kat Lowry.
Rosenthal issued his first timeout after the Lions found their way ahead for the first time in the match, pounding out a 5-1 run. After the timeout, UNA extended its lead 17-12.
“On Sunday, we’ve really got to limit those runs,” Rosenthal stressed.
In response, Meg Mersman logged her sixth kill, and the Bisons swiftly closed the gap 19-18.
Although Lipscomb trailed for the bulk of the set, they turned on the pressure and focused in. The set stood 24-24 with either side able to claim the spoils from the second set.
Logan Gish took charge as she logged a kill followed by two crisp serves that could not be defended, allowing Lipscomb to take set two 27-25.
The Bisons began set three strong with three service aces from sophomore setter Delaney Dilfer and pushing a very early UNA timeout. From the get go, the Bisons led 7-2.
“I thought that especially in sets one and three, our defensive pressure was on,” Coach Rosenthal said. “We really added a lot to the game; even when they were able to keep long rallies going, we were able to get the final points.”
Looking to close the match early, the Bisons earned a nine-point lead strongly influenced by Dilfer. Pelham was on fire, recording 11 kills for the night.
Without a doubt, Lipscomb paced its way to match point. Logan Gish launched the final point, and Lipscomb easily closed the deal 25-18.
With the 3-0 victory, the Bisons have not lost a set to North Alabama this season.
Bison volleyball will be back in action for their last home game 2 pm Sunday in Allen Arena against Jacksonville State.