Kingsport, TN - In a thrilling encounter during the AAC Semi-Finals on Saturday afternoon, the Reinhardt University Eagles volleyball team overcame the Milligan Buffalos with a nail-biting 3-2 victory in Kingsport, TN. This intense showdown earned the Eagles a hard-fought seat at the 2024 NAIA National Tournament and sets them up for a championship bout against the CIU Rams later that evening.
The match saw the Eagles and Buffalos trade blows across five gripping sets. Reinhardt kicked off the contest decisively, conquering the first two sets 25-22 and 25-19. However, Milligan bounced back in the third and fourth sets, taking them 25-19 and 25-18, thereby pushing the semifinal decision to the fifth and final set. The Eagles, showcasing resilience and strategic prowess, narrowly clinched the final set 15-13, securing the overall victory.
Throughout the match, several Eagles players made significant contributions, with Juliette Baffico leading the team with 17 kills, closely followed by Jenna Smith with 16 kills. On the defensive end, Caroline Curry stood out with a match-leading four blocks, helping Reinhardt control the net. Ashlynn Barnes also played a pivotal role, delivering 58 assists which steered the team's offense effectively.
This victory not only propels them into the AAC Championship later today but also solidifies their season record at an impressive 25-6, with a 18-2 streak in conference play. With their next challenge around the corner, the Eagles are set to face the CIU Rams in a match that could crown them AAC champions.
