Volleyball Falls to Saint Xavier, Triumphs Over RV Campbellsville
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BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – In a pair of matches on Saturday, the Trojans split to end the weekend tournament. TU grabbed a sweep over RV Campbellsville in its last match, finishing the Olivet Nazarene Tournament 2-2.
Taylor’s opening match began closely against the Cougars (12-6). Addy Bailey came out strong, leading the team with four kills in the first set. Coming within one of Saint Xavier at 21-22, the Purple and Gold gave it their best effort but fell short.
In the following set, Haley Harrell was solid as TU’s setter, pulling in 10 assists on all 10 of Taylor’s kills. Despite her efforts, the Trojans could not handle the Cougar attack and dropped the second set.
The final set proved to be too much for the Trojans, as they fell behind early and could not find their way back. Saint Xavier came out fast with a seven-point run and Taylor was never able to overcome the deficit, dropping the match in three sets (25-22, 25-13, 25-16).
Taylor returned to the court for its second match quickly after its initial loss. Without much time to regain their composure, the Trojans were set for a tough afternoon matchup against RV Campbellsville (11-8). Despite the circumstances, the Purple and Gold came out strong against the Tigers. A six-point run in the middle of the opening set pushed the score to 22-14. Six different Trojans landed a kill, helping TU grab the first set.
The Trojans remained in control in the second set, gaining a lead early in the set. The Tigers kept within reach until Amanda Adams and Ryan Czerniak logged back-to-back kills to take the set for TU.
Looking to close the match, Taylor was determined to sweep the Tigers. With the score wavering back and forth, Adams stepped up for the Trojans, tallying five kills, including a pair of kills to put the team up 24-23. An error from the Tigers finished the match, as the Trojans won their ninth match of the season (25-22, 25-22, 25-23).
Service aces were key for Taylor in its match against Campbellsville, as the team pulled in a season-high 11 aces. Freshman Nikki Parrett notched a career-high six aces in the contest.
Adams continued to be a factor for the TU offense, slamming 12 kills against the Tigers, which is her 14th double-digit kill effort of the season. Harrell was also crucial for the Taylor attack, grabbing 49 assists over the two matches on Saturday. The senior setter is averaging over nine assists per set for the 2018 campaign.
The Purple and Gold will return to Crossroads League action on Wednesday, as they take on RV Marian (17-3, 9-1 CL) in Odle Arena at 7:00 pm.