Virginia Beach, VA - On a night that celebrated Cancer Awareness, the Regent University Women's Volleyball Team delivered a dominant performance, sweeping Trinity Washington University, 3-0. The Royals won all three sets 25-3, 25-8, and 25-6, while putting together a record-setting night from the service line.
Regent's serving attack proved to be the difference-maker from the opening serve, as the Royals collected a single-game program-record 30 service aces in the three-set victory. The Royals' previous serving performances were eclipsed by an aggressive and consistent effort that kept the Tigers guessing throughout the night.
Leading the way was Freshman Claire Keefer (Winchester, VA) who established a new single-game Regent record with 10 service aces. Keefer's serving run helped the Royals establish control early in the opening set, including a stretch in which she recorded multiple aces. She finished the night with 10 aces on 25 service attempts.
Regent's record-setting effort was a complete team accomplishment as Sophomore Keira Anderson (Leland, NC) added eight aces, while Sophomore Rylee Stewart (Newport News, VA) contributed six. Senior Reagan Holestin (Virginia Beach, VA) added three, Freshman Mykenah Antenore (San Diego, CA) recorded two, and Freshman Hailey Caddy (Chesapeake, VA) added one. The Royals' depth at the service line made it difficult for Trinity Washington to establish any offensive rhythm.
Regent was equally effective offensively, hitting .389 as a team with 20 kills and only six errors on 36 attacks. Anderson paced the Royals with a career high nine kills on 13 attacks, hitting an impressive .692, while Holestin added three kills without committing an attacking error. Stewart orchestrated the Regent attack with 16 assists, while the Royals finished with 17 assists as a team.
Regent established control immediately in the opening set, jumping out to an early lead before Keefer's serving run helped the Royals pull away. Regent closed the first set on a 5-0 run to take a 25-3 victory.
The second set featured another strong all-around effort from the Royals. After Trinity Washington briefly held a lead early, Regent responded with a run behind Holestin, Anderson, Keefer, and Stewart. Keefer capped the set with another service ace as the Royals secured the 25-8 win.
Regent saved its strongest serving performance for the third set, recording 12 aces while closing out the sweep. Anderson opened the set with a string of three consecutive aces, while Stewart followed with three straight aces of her own. Keefer added another ace late in the set before the Royals finished the match, 25-6.
Regent will be back in action on Saturday, October 10th when they travel to Elizabeth City, NC for a tri-match with Mid-Atlantic Christian University and Warren Wilson College. First serves are scheduled for 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
