Pikeville, KY - In a thrilling AAC conference volleyball matchup, the Reinhardt University Eagles clinched a hard-fought victory over the Pikeville Bears with a final score of 3-1. The event took on Saturday, at the UPIKE Gym in Pikeville, Ky., where the Eagles demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess to secure the win.
From the outset, the game was fiercely contested. The Eagles narrowly took the first set 25-23 but stumbled in the second, falling 22-25 to the Bears. However, regaining their composure, Reinhardt dominated the third and fourth sets with scores of 25-14 and 25-18, respectively, showcasing their determination and skill under pressure.
Key players emerged for Reinhardt, notably Jenna Smith, who not only topped the kills chart with 13 kills but also contributed significantly on defense with 5 block assists. Juliette Baffico and Breah Watson also made significant impacts, delivering crucial kills at pivotal moments. Defensively, the game saw impressive digs from Silvia Aguado, who made 21 digs, bolstering the Eagles' defense and frustrating Pikeville's attackers.
Service was another area where the Eagles excelled. Ashlynn Barnes led with 5 aces, including a game-winning point in the third set that shifted the momentum decisively in Reinhardt's favor. The match also highlighted key errors from Pikeville, particularly in attack, which the Eagles capitalized on to tilt the match in their favor.
Looking ahead, Reinhardt prepares to continue their successful season against the Montreat College Cavaliers on November 5, 2024. The match will take place in Waleska, GA, at 6:30 pm, where the Eagles aim to improve their impressive record of 21-5, 16-1 in the conference.
