The Muskingum volleyball team went 2-0 on day one of the Mount Union Invite. The Muskies defeated Manchester 3-0, and followed it up with a 3-1 victory over Mt. St. Joseph.

Game 1

The Basics

• Records: Muskingum (4-0 Overall), Manchester (3-3 Overall)
• Location: McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex – Alliance, Ohio

How it Happened

• Both teams played evenly early on in set one, as Muskingum held a slim 11-8 lead.
• However, Muskingum rallied for seven straight points to take a dominant 18-8 lead in the opening frame.
• Riding their momentum, Muskingum captured the 25-17 first-set victory off a Manchester attacking error.
• Both teams played to a 6-6 draw early in set two. However, the Muskies used a 19-3 run to claim the frame 25-9 over the Spartans. The set two victory was secured via a kill from junior Raegan Flood off an assist from senior Emma Conrad.
• Set three saw a much tighter battle throughout the frame. However, using clutch plays down the stretch, the Muskies claimed the straight-set victory 25-18 off a kill from junior Khloe Taylor.

Inside the Numbers

• Muskingum has now won the first four matches of their 2022 season in straight sets.
• Leading the Muskie attached was Taylor who notched 13 kills, while Conrad tallied game-highs in assists with 31 and in service aces with five. Conrad also added five kills and seven digs for Muskingum.
• Senior Emma Dunham, junior Raegan Flood, junior Lexie Huck, and freshman Quinn Horn all tallied six kills each for the Muskies.
• Senior Gracie Collins registered a game-high nine digs and four service aces for Muskingum as well.
• As a team, Muskingum totaled 42 kills, 36 assists, 38 digs, and 11 service aces.

Game 2

The Basics

• Records: Muskingum (5-0 Overall), Mt. St. Joseph (4-2 Overall)
• Location: McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex - Alliance, Ohio

How it Happened

• Muskingum earned a dominant 25-9 win in the opening frame to set the tone early.
• However, the Lions would battle back and keep the second set close early one. Muskingum led the frame 10-7, then proceeded to use a 12-5 run to stretch their lead to 22-12. Muskingum proceeded to close out the set, winning the frame 25-15.
• After dropping the third frame 26-24, Muskingum bounced back to take a 10-3 lead in the fourth set.
• Despite the Lions trimming the Muskie lead down to three on multiple occasions, Muskingum showed poise and secured the game-winning set, 25-17.

Inside the Numbers

• The Muskies were led by junior Khloe Taylor who tallied 13 kills.
• Junior Lexie Huck registered 12 kills and three digs, while junior Raegan Flood notched eight kills and five assists.
• Senior Emma Conrad continued her stellar play with 36 assists, 14 digs, and seven kills, while senior Gracie Collins registered a game-high 19 digs for Muskingum.
• Freshman Quinn Horn filled up the stat sheet with five kills and 11 assists, while freshman Abby Buchtel recorded 11 digs and two service aces.
• Sophomore Addison Gingrich registered 10 digs, and senior Emma Dunham added five kills.
• Muskingum recorded 50 kills, 42 assists, 76 digs, and six service aces as a team.

Up Next

• Muskingum will be back in action on Saturday, September 10, when they take on Allegheny. Game time is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Mount Union Invitational.