By Dustin Semore
FHU Sports Information Director
The Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions popped south to the Magnolia State for a nonconference matchup with the Rust (Miss.) College Bearcats. The Lady Lions swept past the opposition in straight sets 3-0 (25-5, 25-17, 25-17).
FHU (14-11, 4-7 MSC) dismantled the opposition in the first set, utilizing a 13-point run in the middle of the set to take control of the match early. After opening with a 3-2 score, Ashlynne Clifft slammed down the first of her three kills to invite Adleigh Mayes to the service line. Aptly, Mayes began her turn behind the line with a service ace. In the span of 13 rallies, FHU tallied three blocks and as many service aces. The Lady Lions combined for 10 kills in the first set, while not committing a single attack error in the 25-5 set win.
The Rust Bearcats (9-16, 4-5 GCAC) came out of the break much stronger, forcing seven ties and four lead changes in the second set. Tied as late as 11-11, Kacey Donegan’s kill was followed by a kill from Jayden Watkins to inspire the Lady Lions to take 12 out of the next 19 points to win the second set 25-17.
While the Lady Lions were helped by 13 attack errors from the Bearcats in the first two frames, the final set saw the Lady Lions tally a match-high 18 kills to complete the sweep in a 25-17 final set.
Jayden Watkins’ 12 kills paced the FHU attack, with Kacey Donegan following with 10. The Lady Lions’ 6-2 rotation saw Allie Humphry and Adleigh Mayes spread out the assists evenly, with Humpry having 16 assists to Mayes’ 15.
