Women's Volleyball Opens up Conference Play With 3-2 Victory over Freed

Box Score Henderson, Tenn.-- Cumberland women's volleyball opens up conference play with a five set victory over in-state rival Freed-Hardeman.
The Phoenix saw solid performances on both ends of the court, with three attackers counting double-digit kills and three defenders totaling double figure digs. Layla Young led the front row with 15 kills while libero Kaleigh Glass handled the back line with 13 digs.
The Lions also executed well in the front row with three attackers of their own notching double figures. Avery Young and Catherine Hackett tied for a game-high 16 kills.
The Lions had the upperhand in the first, climbing to a quick 7-2 lead while Cumberland was plagued by defensive errors.
The Phoenix used a timeout at the 17-10 score and it proved effective as they interrupted Freed's run to bring it back within five. Once CU established a groove, the final push was tight as the offenses traded blows.
A pair of kills ended the set in Freed's favor at the 25-21 score, adding to their impressive .333 team attack percentage.
The teams stayed within two points of each other down the stretch of set two. An all important 6-1 run in the second half gave the Phoenix some distance, forcing the Lions to recollect in a timeout.
The break worked in Freed's favor as they broke up the run and evened out the score at 19-19. The Phoenix totaled four kills in the final five points to propel them upward for a 25-21 set victory.
The Lions asserted some dominance to open up the third, taking off on a 6-0 run that forced Cumberland to burn an early timeout. The Phoenix trailed behind through the middle stages until Young landed a kill to even out the score at 13-13.
It was another tightly contested ending with both sides determined to gain the game's advantage. A pair of Cumberland errors on the pins combined with a service ace gave Freed the set win at 25-23.
The Lions found themselves on yet another early run, rattling off seven straight points with the help of strong offensive moves.
The Phoenix tightened up in the front row, using blocks and smart shots to pull in front 15-12. The latter half of the set was all CU pressure as they played nearly flawless at the net, forcing a fifth set with a 25-20 win.
The Lions took the first lead of the deciding set with the help of back-to-back Cumberland errors and their ninth ace of the game. The Phoenix faced an uphill battle throughout as Freed's scrappy defense made it difficult for the CU attackers to find the hardwood.
A Lions service error sent the Phoenix on a big five point run that evened out the score at 12-12, completely shifting the game's momentum. Lauren Galvan delivered Cumberland's final two kills with strong swings on the outside to secure the 15-13 victory.
Cumberland will be back at home as the conference battles continue, hosting Bethel this Saturday at 3 PM.

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Players Mentioned

#6 Lauren Galvan: OH; 5' 8"; Junior

#20 Kaleigh Glass: L/DS; 5' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#6 Lauren Galvan
: 5' 8"; Junior
: OH

#20 Kaleigh Glass
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: L/DS

Players Mentioned

#6 Lauren Galvan

#20 Kaleigh Glass

Players Mentioned

#6 Lauren Galvan

#20 Kaleigh Glass