Volleyball on the Road for Crucial Match at Campbellsville

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland women's volleyball looks to get back in the win column this weekend as the Phoenix travel to face Campbellsville University in a key Mid-South Conference matchup.

The Phoenix (19-9, 3-2 MSC) enter the contest looking to snap a two-match skid after dropping decisions to nationally ranked Cumberlands and Lindsey Wilson. Despite recent setbacks, Cumberland remains one of the league's most balanced teams, ranking among the top 50 nationally in both hitting percentage (.198) and blocks per set (2.01). The Phoenix also rank 42nd in the NAIA in service aces per set (2.12) and 49th in hitting percentage, demonstrating an offense that can pressure opponents from multiple areas of the court.

Sophomore outside hitter Lila Cade continues to pace the Mid-South in kills, surpassing 300 on the year while hitting .268. Senior middle hitter Hazel Konkel is closing in on two major career milestones. Konkel ranks among the conference's best in both blocking and efficiency, sitting fourth in the MSC in hitting percentage (.365) and fourth in blocks per set (0.93).

Defensively, Cumberland has remained solid throughout the year, averaging 16.03 digs per set (76th nationally) and ranking third in the league in total blocks (213). The Phoenix have also recorded more than 1,200 kills and 1,100 assists across 28 matches.

Campbellsville (14-10, 3-1 MSC) comes in red hot, riding a four-match winning streak with recent victories over Bethel, Freed-Hardeman, and Kentucky State. The Tigers are one of the most efficient offensive teams in the conference, ranking 17th nationally in hitting percentage (.228) and 32nd in kills per set (12.87).

Middle blocker Brooke Hager leads the charge for Campbellsville and ranks second in the Mid-South in hitting percentage (.439) while averaging 2.77 kills per set. Freshman setter Kati Vest directs the offense and ranks third in the league with 9.09 assists per set, while freshman libero Maddie Pennington anchors the back row, sitting third in the conference in digs per set (3.38).

The Tigers also boast one of the top blocking units in the league, averaging 2.07 blocks per set to rank 45th nationally. Junior middle Sophie Hill adds 0.89 blocks per set, while right-side hitter Riley Thorne and Hager each contribute nearly one block per frame.

Cumberland will look to reestablish its rhythm offensively and slow down a balanced Campbellsville attack that has produced three players averaging more than two kills per set. The Phoenix will also aim to continue their success at the net, where they have out-blocked opponents in 17 matches this season.

First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT inside Gosser Gymnasium in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Following the match, Cumberland will take on Talladega at 4:00 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#9 Hazel Konkel: MH; 6' 2"; Junior

#32 Lila Cade: OH; 5' 10"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#9 Hazel Konkel
: 6' 2"; Junior
: MH

#32 Lila Cade
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: OH

Players Mentioned

#9 Hazel Konkel

#32 Lila Cade

Players Mentioned

#9 Hazel Konkel

#32 Lila Cade