Eagles Take Two in Tri-Match

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Asbury took two wins at the Mountain State tri-match on Saturday, defeating the hosts 3-0 in a KIAC match and defeating Davis & Elkins College 3-1.  The wins now give the Eagles a 24-2 record overall and a 4-0 mark in the KIAC.

The Eagles hit .340 against MSU in their second win of the season over the Cougars.  Asbury’s three set victory (25-12, 25-19, 25-20) comes nearly a month after their first meeting in Wilmore, a 3-0 victory for the Eagles as well.  Brittney Rader led the team with 11 kills and only one error as she hit .417 for the match. 

Asbury racked up 40 kills in the three sets, tied for the fourth most in a three set match this year.  Lindsay Ibold tallied eight kills and Dena Busse added seven in the middle for the Eagles.  Busse also added four total blocks. 

Hannah Wheeler’s 23 digs were the second most of any three set match this year as the Cougars hit only .116 for the match.  Wheeler also added four service aces, the second time she’s done that this year.  Mackenzie Burke added 18 assists and Emily Andrews chipped in with 12 assists and six digs.

Asbury won their second match of the day 25-15, 23-25, 28-26, 25-19 over NCAA Division II Davis & Elkins.  Lauren Budde led the way with 12 kills and Lindsay Ibold added 11.  The Eagles’ total of 57 kills is the most this season in any match. 

Asbury’s 52 assists were more than any match this season as Emily Andrews and Mackenzie Burke were both over 20 for the match as Andrews tallied 25 and Burke 23.  The Eagles’ defense dug 78 balls, as five players reached double figures.  Abi Wheeler led the way with 15.

Asbury will hit the court again on Thursday October 21st as they host Indiana Southeast in a pivotal KIAC match at 7:00 pm.  Asbury is currently 4-0 in conference play, one of two undefeated teams and Indiana Southeast is currently 5-1.