Berea, Kentucky - The Mount St. Joseph University women's volleyball team earned a straight-set victory over Berea College on Wednesday evening, winning 3-0 inside the Seabury Center. The Lions improved to 12-7 overall and 3-1 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play with set victories of 25-14, 26-24 and 25-18.
The Mount came out strong in the opening set, using a balanced offensive attack and solid play at the net to take control early. Sydney Doty and Etellina Jackson teamed up for a key block early in the set, helping the Lions settle in and build momentum. Jackson continued to make an impact offensively, finishing a kill off an assist from Ginger Johnson as the Lions began to find their rhythm. MSJ pulled away to take the first set, 25-14.
The second set brought a much closer battle, as Berea challenged the Lions throughout the frame. MSJ stayed composed in the tight contest, finding ways to earn important points and holding off the Mountaineers to take the set, 26-24. The victory in the second set gave the Lions a two-set advantage heading into the break between sets.
MSJ carried that momentum into the third set, closing out the match with a 25-18 victory. The Lions' serving game played a major role throughout the evening, as the team recorded 13 service aces compared to Berea's two. The Mount also finished with 36 kills, 35 assists and 62 digs, showing contributions across the court.
Etellina Jackson led the Lions offensively with 11 kills and added five total blocks to lead the team in both categories. Sydney Doty followed with nine kills and a match-high five service aces, while Aubrey Miranda contributed seven kills.
Ginger Johnson and Ava Moore helped lead the offense with 15 and 14 assists, respectively. Defensively, Lyndsey Stephenson paced the Lions with 15 digs, while Audrey Griffin added 10 digs to help limit Berea's scoring opportunities.
The straight-set win gives the Lions another important conference victory as they continue their HCAC schedule.
UP NEXT: Mount St. Joseph returns home to face Earlham College on Saturday, October 24 for Homecoming Weekend. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Harrington Center.
