Buffs Volleyball Returns to Form in Sweep of Union Commonwealth

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – The Milligan University volleyball team was on the court in Barbourville, Ky. against the Union Commonwealth University Bulldogs for the Buffs' second Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tilt of the season on Saturday. The Buffs were able to conjure a sweep of the Bulldogs, earning their first conference win of the year (25-20, 25-23, 25-22).

In the match's opening set, Union Commonwealth held a small 18-17 lead, but the Buffaloes surged to an 8-2 run to finish the stanza with a 25-20 triumph to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

The second set followed a similar pattern, as the hosts jumped out to an early advantage, but once again, Milligan battled back to take the set 25-22.

Finally, the Buffaloes were the squad who held the lead for most of the third and final set of the match. They ultimately finished off the Bulldogs with a 25-22 victory, earning the sweep on the road to get back on the winning track.

Avery Maiden and Shelby Miller tied for the team lead with 10 kills each, while Ella Maiden hit at .357 and had seven terminations.

Kolbie Greene's 20 assists led the way for the Buffs, while Faith Wilson added seven setups to the effort.

Zoie Larkins stood out with 27 digs, averaging an otherworldly nine pickups per set. Sierra Still also racked up double-digit digs with 12 in the match. E.Maiden picked up one solo block and two block assists to lead the team in both categories.

With the win, Milligan moved back to .500 on the season at 5-5. They also sit at 1-1 in the AAC standings after splitting their first two contests. Next up for the Buffs is their third straight road battle to start the conference season. They travel to Pikeville, Ky. To take on the University of Pikeville on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m.