Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University overcame a 2-1 deficit to beat Kennesaw State, 3-2, on Saturday at Baptist Health Arena.
 
The win extended the Colonels' streak to 11 straight victories and improved to 12-2 on the season and 2-0 in the Atlantic Sun Conference.  The Owls (7-5, 0-1 ASUN) entered the day with wins this season over Mississippi State, Oregon State and Wake Forest.
 
Facing a must-win fourth set, EKU jumped out to a quick lead by scoring the first five points.  Kennesaw State battled back and took a 2-point lead six times, including 16-14 on a kill from Manu Johnsen.  However, the Colonels scored three straight and never trailed again in the match.  Molly Shomock's kill finished off the quick run.  After KSU tied it at 18-18, the home team scored three straight again, a run that started with another kill from Shomock.  Another 3-0 spurt got EKU to set-point at 24-19.  The Colonels tied the match at 2-2 after an error by the Owls that ended it 25-20.
 
EKU scored the first three points of the fifth set and four of the first five.  A kill from AG Vandagriff put the maroon and white on top 4-1.  Another Vandagriff kill made it a 6-3 lead.  Kennesaw State would close to within two on seven occasions, but each time the Colonels answered.  After the Owls drew within 14-12, a kill from Sarah Mitchell ended the match.
 
Mitchell led the team with 17 kills.  Ledford had 16 kills, only one error, a .577 attack percentage and five blocks.  Kambree Lucas added 13 kills and 11 digs.  Vandagriff finished with 11 kills and three blocks.
 
Josie Schmitendorf led all players with 22 digs for the Colonels.  Chloe Mason posted a double-double with 34 assists and 12 digs.
 
Johnsen led Kennesaw State with 17 kills and nine blocks.
 
As a team, KSU held a 16-7 edge in blocks, but EKU finished with 11 more digs, 11 more kills and out-hit the visitors .234 to .201.
 
EKU's 4-match home stand continues next weekend when North Alabama visits Richmond on Friday for a 6 p.m. match, and Central Arkansas comes to town Saturday for a 4 p.m. match.