Ferrum, VA - A visit to Ferrum College kicked off a three game weekend road trip for the Regent University Women's Volleyball team. Friday night was an opportunity to play up a level, as the Royals faced a Panthers team who has transitioned to the NCAA Division II level. Despite falling 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-23), Regent went toe-to-toe with Ferrum, pushing each set to the very end, while out serving the Panthers with six aces to their four and matching them in digs with 52.
The Royals came out aggressively in the opening set as Freshman Claire Keefer (Winchester, VA) recorded kills on two of the first three points, which helped Regent eventually built an 8-5 advantage. Ferrum responded and pulled even at 8-8, beginning a back-and-forth stretch that saw the teams tied again at 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15. The Panthers eventually put together a late run to take the opening set, 25-18.
The Royals continued to compete in the second set despite Ferrum establishing an early advantage. Sophomore Brooklynn Delane (Colonial Beach, VA) provided several key plays, while Keefer delivered a service ace as Regent attempted to cut into the deficit. The Royals generated a late run, scoring three straight points after falling behind 20-13, before the Panthers eventually closed out the set, 25-19.
After trailing 8-6 to start the third set, Regent stayed within striking distance and eventually tied the score at 9-9 behind consecutive points from Keefer, including a kill and service ace. Neither team was able to create much separation from there as the set featured 15 ties and seven lead changes. With the score tied at 19, the Royals continued to answer Ferrum point-for-point. Keefer delivered a kill to even the set at 20-20, and then Regent later erased another deficit when Keefer's third service ace of the match tied the score at 22. The Royals remained even with the Panthers at 23-23, however they would eventually fall 25-23.
Keefer led Regent with a team-high 11 kills, three service aces and 13 digs, while Delane added eight kills on 18 attempts, an ace and three digs. In addition, Sophomore Rylee Stewart (Newport News, VA) helped direct the offense with 18 assists while adding three kills, two service aces and six digs and Freshman Mykenah Antenore (San Diego, CA) finished with a team-high 15 digs to go along with four assists.
The Royals will now head to South Carolina for a tri-match on Saturday, October 3rd with Bob Jones University and Toccoa Falls College. First serves are set for 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
