Elon Phoenix Volleyball Falls at Georgia Southern

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Elon volleyball team’s four-match winning streak came to end tonight, Sept. 27, as Georgia Southern (13-2, 1-0) defeated the Phoenix (8-8, 0-1), 3-1 (20-25, 17-25, 27-25, 21-25), in both teams Southern Conference opener.

“For most of the match our defense in the back row was really good tonight, led by Danielle (Smith) and Chanelle (Smith),” said Elon head coach Mary Tendler. “They both made some unbelievable plays. We competed very well against a talented team, on their home court, with a young group on the court. We need that same effort tomorrow in Charleston.”

Freshman Kayla Agae led the Phoenix with a career-high 14 kills, followed by a career-high nine kills from freshman Ally Karle. Senior Kris Harris also finished with nine kills.

On defense, junior Danielle Smith tallied a career-high 21 digs. Karle posted a team-high five blocks with Harris and sophomore Megan Gravley each finishing with three.

A kill by Agae and a block by Harris and Ana Nicksic put the Phoenix up 4-1 early in the first set. The Eagles tied the score at five-all and eventually took the lead, 8-7. The set remained close until GSU managed a four-point edge, 19-15, forcing an Elon timeout. With the Eagles leading 23-17, the Phoenix scored three straight off a kill by Harris and solo blocks by Karle and Gravley to pull within three. The Eagles were able to hold on and take the set, 25-20.

Down by two in the second set, the Phoenix put together a 5-1 run with the help of a kill by D. Smith and an ace by Chanelle Smith to take an 8-6 advantage. With GSU holding an 18-12 lead, kills by Karle and Agae helped cut the deficit to four. The Eagles were able to maintain their advantage and win the set, 25-17.

With the score tied at four-all in the third set, a block by Karle, kill by Gravley and an ace by Nicksic helped Elon to a 10-6 lead. The Eagles would gain the lead and go up by three, 20-17. From there, kills by Karle and Harris pulled the Phoenix even at 21-all. With the score still tied, 25-all, a kill and block by Karle sealed a 27-25 win for the maroon and gold and sent the match to a fourth set.

Kills by Agae and Harris helped Elon keep the set tied at three-all. GSU would take the advantage and maintain it through most of the set until a kill by D. Smith and a kill and block by Harris closed the gap to two, 23-21. However, the Eagles would claim the next two points to win the set, 25-21, and the match.

Elon will play at The Citadel tomorrow, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. in Charleston, S.C.