Washington, DC – On Saturday, the Regent University Women's Volleyball team wrapped up a weekend trip to the Nation's Capital, with a tri-match against Trinity Washington University and Mid-Atlantic University. The Royals faced both teams earlier this season, coming away with wins, and they looked to head back to Virginia Beach with two more to add to their win on Friday. Not only would they accomplish their goal of defeating both teams, but Regent would also set another record by winning the most overall games in program history.
Game One
The first set began with Junior Erin Saunders (Danville, VA), Sophomore Alaina Braun-Duin (Stephens City, VA) and Freshman Annalise Todd (Raleigh, NC) delivering kills to help the Royals jump out to a 10-point lead. They did not let up as Senior Eliana Winn (Albuquerque, NM) and Freshman Keira Anderson (Leland, NC) scored points, while Freshman Daily Davis (Bristow, VA) controlled the service line to take the set, 25-10.
Saunders started the second set with 5 straight service aces, while Braun-Duin and Freshman Emma Kristiansen (Sparta, NJ) each scored with kills. Freshman Rylee Stewart (Newport News, VA) picked up where Saunders left off, serving up three aces, and that set up Saunders and Todd to finish the set off with the win, 25-11.
After a kill by Todd, Stewart would do it again from the service line delivering 3 straight aces to begin the third set. Todd was able to keep up the pressure at the net with more kills and that allowed Junior Reagan Holestin (Virginia Beach, VA) to serve the final eight points, helping Regent earn the sweep 3-0 (25-6).
Saunders finished with 7 kills and 5 aces, while Braun-Duin led the team with 10 digs. In addition, Stewart dished out 16 assists to go along with 7 service aces.
Game Two
The Royals took an early lead to start the first set as Saunders, Winn and Todd, combined with a service ace by Stewart, each delivered kills. Braun-Duin would increase the advantage with her own kills, and then Anderson and Davis added more service aces to push their lead to 18-3. Kristiansen would also find success from the service line as Regent went on to win the set 25-5.
The second set was much closer as the Mustangs began to find points. A kill by Freshman Brooklynn Delane (Colonial Beach, VA) kept the score close and then a service ace from Davis, combined with kills by Kristiansen, allowed the Royals to begin to increase their lead to 18-13. MACU would try to make a run, but Winn stopped it with three kills and that gave Regent the set win 25-18.
Stewart started the third set third set scoring five straight points from the service line. A few points later, Kristiansen came alive at the net and delivered strong kills, while Holestin, Winn and Todd increased the advantage with their own kills and that is all they would need as Holestin ended the game with a perfectly placed service ace for the overall win, 3-0 (25-8).
Winn finished with 8 kills and 2 blocks, while Sophomore Madison Hardiman (Memphis, TN) added 13 digs. In addition, Stewart dished out 10 assists.
The Royals will be back in action on Tuesday, November 4th when they travel to Fredericksburg, VA to face the University of Mary Washington. First serve is scheduled for 6:00pm.
