Eagles Advance to Semi-Finals With SWEEP Over Pikeville at AAC Tournament

Kingsport, TN - In an impeccable display of skill and teamwork, the Reinhardt University Eagles soared past Pikeville at the AAC Tournament Quarter-Finals in Kingsport, TN, this past Friday afternoon. The Eagles excelled on the court, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over the Pikeville Bears, setting a powerful tone in this post-season showdown.

From the outset, Reinhardt University showcased their dominance, with a robust opening set win of 25-19. They maintained their momentum into the second set, where they edged out Pikeville with a 25-20 score, demonstrating both resilience and tactical prowess. The final set was a clear exhibit of the Eagles' superiority, as they concluded with a commanding 25-13 score, effectively sealing their victory.

The Eagles were bolstered by strong performances across the board. Juliette Baffico led the frontline attack with a notable 13 kills, closely followed by Emma Ponkova with 9 kills and Breah Watson and Jenna Smith, who contributed 8 kills respectively. The defensive gameplay was equally impressive, with Caroline Curry achieving 4 blocks. In the backcourt, Silvia Aguado's exceptional 17 digs led the defensive efforts, which were crucial in thwarting Pikeville's attacks.

Contributions were not just limited to kills and blocks, as the Eagles demonstrated their all-around game depth. Faith Breitbarth stood out with 2 critical aces, while Ashlynn Barnes led with 42 assists, providing excellent setups for the attackers.

Looking ahead, the Eagles are set to face their next challenge in the AAC Tournament Semi-Finals on the following afternoon, November 16th, at 12:30pm. The opponent will be the winner between Milligan University and Union College, promising another thrilling contest as the Eagles aim to extend their successful run. As they prepare, Reinhardt University holds an impressive season record of 24-6, reflecting a season of strong performances and resilience. The Reinhardt community eagerly anticipates another exhilarating performance as their Eagles continue to aim high in the tournament.

Photo Courtesy: Nicole C Photography