Jeremy Wright, Sports Information Intern

HENDERSON, Tenn. – The Freed-Hardeman University volleyball team (4-0) defeated Blue Mountain College (1-2) in straight sets (25-21, 25-22, 25-14) on Tuesday night in its fall home opener.

To open the first set, both teams came out strong, as neither team could gain an advantage early. Midway through the opening set, the Toppers would build a three-point lead before the Lady Lions would put together a 9-2 run and gain control. They would not look back, as they began clicking on all cylinders to claim the first set.

In the second set, the team would find themselves in a hole, as the Toppers would again build a three-point lead early in the set. The two teams would then trade punches until the Toppers stretched their lead to four points midway through the set. The Lady Lions would rally to tie the set at 21, and then use a 4-1 run from there to claim the second set.

In the third set, the Lady Lions used their momentum from the rally in the second set to control the rest of the match, as the team would lead by as many as 12 points, en route to securing the win over the Toppers.

Claire Walker led the way for the Lady Lions offensively in her season debut with an 18-kill performance, followed by Kacey Donegan with 13. Emma Self was also solid offensively with 24 assists, and Allie Humphry added 17 of her own. Reilly Fulton led the way defensively with eight digs on the night.

The Lady Lions are back in action on Friday for the final home game of the semester against Crowley's Ridge at 6 p.m.at the Brewer Sports Center. They will honor senior Katie Collier who will compete in her final home match of her career.