Milligan Volleyball Wins Two on Day One of Labor Day Classic

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — The Milligan University volleyball team grabbed a pair of victories at the Labor Day Classic hosted by Florida College in Temple Terrace. The Buffs prevailed over the Warner University (Fla.) Royals 3-1 in the opener of the event, while dispatching Doane University (Neb.) in five sets in the latter tilt.

Game 1 – Milligan 3, Warner 1 (25-21, 25-19, 24-26, 25-17)

In the opener of the Labor Day Classic, the Buffs were dominant against the Royals, winning 3-1. Milligan only dropped the third set of the match after regulation, falling by a minuscule 26-24 margin. It became the fifth straight match to start the season—win or loss—that has ended in a 3-1 decision for the Buffs.

Shelby Miller led the way with 15 kills on 43 attempts with just three errors. She attacked at .279 for the match, pacing Milligan's outside hitters. Avery Maiden terminated 11 swings and the trio of Ella Maiden (7), Kira Ryan (6) and Sierra Still (5) also finished with five or more putaways. Kolbie Greene had a strong 37-assist night as the main table setter.

The defensive display from Zoie Larkins was one to behold, as she tallied 34 digs to lead the Buffs. Four other players had double-digit pickups, as Greene (21), A. Maiden (13), Sierra Still (13) and Grace Sanderson (10) had strong days defensively. E. Maiden led the team with two solo blocks and a block assist.

Game 2 – Milligan 3, Doane 2 (25-18, 16-25, 27-25, 21-25, 15-13)

In what was a seesaw affair, Milligan was able to tally the final two points of the match after being tied 13-13 in the fifth set. The five-match streak of 3-1 finishes ended in triumphant fashion for the Buffaloes.

Miller was the top finisher, again, as she ended up with 20 kills on 53 attempts and hit at a .208 clip. E. Maiden starred in the middle, putting down 13 of her 24 swings and sporting a .417 attacking percentage. The setter Greene even got in on the action with six kills and hit .462. Greene also had a healthy 42 assists in the match.

The exact same five Buffaloes had 10 or more digs in the second tilt. This time, however, A. Maiden led the charge with 21 pickups. Greene had a total of 19, while Larkins added 13. Still and Sanderson each contributed 12 to the cause.

The squad will be back at it tomorrow after evening their season win-loss record at 3-3 on Friday. The Buffs will face off with Trinity College of Florida at 5 p.m. and Florida College at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.