Cumberland Heads to Henderson for Second MSC Match

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland women's volleyball continues Mid-South Conference play tonight with a road test at Freed-Hardeman in Henderson, Tenn. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. as the Phoenix look to build on their strong start to conference play.

Cumberland (17-7, 1-0 MSC) enters the match fresh off a sweep of Bethel in their conference opener. The Phoenix have leaned on a balanced attack all season, leading the MSC in kills (1,070), assists (1,021), and total blocks (186). Sophomore outside hitter Lila Cade has been the spark offensively with 264 kills to lead the Mid-South Conference and 313 points on the year. Senior middle hitter Hazel Konkel ranks among the league leaders in efficiency, hitting .380 with 188 kills, third-most in the MSC, while setter Carlee Rogers has been steady in distribution, tallying 542 assists and averaging 6.02 per set.

Defensively, senior libero Morgan Snead anchors the back row with 299 digs, also leads the MSC. Cade also sits in the Top 5 in digs at fourth with 237 with Rogers at fifth with 214. Konkel leads a front line that has totaled more than 180 blocks this season

Freed-Hardeman (11-5, 0-0 MSC) begins its conference slate tonight after playing 16 nonconference matches to open the year. Freed has won four of their last five splitting a tri match on Saturday beating Clinton before losing to Pensacola Christian in three. The Lions boast one of the most aggressive serving units in the country, ranking fifth in the NAIA in aces at 167, trailing the Phoenix, and fourth nationally with 2.88 aces per set.

Senior outside hitter Avery Young leads the team with 141 kills, while freshman setter Becca Heineman and sophomore setter Alyssa Austin has paced the offense with a combined 543 assists (9.36 per set). Defensively, freshman middle blocker Marija Milic and senior middle blocker Iza Wos have combined for more than 50 blocks on the season. Young has the most digs on the team at 145 and Audrey Orton trails her with 101 digs.

Tonight's matchup adds another chapter to a long-running series between the two programs. Freed-Hardeman leads the all-time series 21-15, but Cumberland has dominated recent history, winning nine of the last 10 meetings dating back to 2020. Freed-Hardeman beat the Phoenix in their last match-up last season in Henderson for their first win over Cumberland since 2013.

The Phoenix will aim to keep momentum rolling as they continue a crucial stretch of conference play.

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Players Mentioned

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

#22 Morgan Snead: DS; 5' 6"; Junior

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

#1 Carlee Rogers: S/RS; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

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

#22 Morgan Snead
: 5' 6"; Junior
: DS

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

#1 Carlee Rogers
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: S/RS