October 15, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

PULASKI, Tenn. — The Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions nearly doubled the opposition's kill total, slamming down 48 kills to Tennessee Southern's 25 on the way to a 3-0 (25-16, 26-24, 25-20) sweep of the FireHawks.

The Lady Lions (13-10, 4-5 MSC) were tied with UTS at 7-7 before Ashlynne Clifft took the set into her own hands. The senior from Jackson promptly recorded three consecutive kills, sandwiched by kills from Kacey Donegan and Avery Harris. From there, the FireHawks could not come back from the hot start by the maroon and grey, with FHU taking the first set 25-16.

UT Southern (11-17, 3-7 MSC) reminded Freed-Hardeman that the last time the two teams met it took five sets to determine a victor by opening the second frame on a 4-1 run. The Lady Lions climbed back thanks to a flurry of service aces from Adleigh Mayes and Allie Humphry in a set that saw 13 different ties and five lead changes. Requiring extra points, Bryce Morris perfectly placed her service to record an ace to win the second set 26-24.

The third set proved to be a close one as well, with the teams trading points until being knotted up at 9-9. With Donegan holding service, FHU capitalized on a Block from Clifft followed by a kill from Jayden Watkins. The FireHawks then committed three errors to help push the Lady Lions to a 15-9 lead that was enough to keep the girls in maroon ahead until the end to win the set 25-20.

The Lady Lions tallied 48 kills on a .288 attack mark. Watkins led the charge with 15 kills, followed by Clifft tying her season-high of 11. Donegan got back on the double-double train, posting 10 kills and 13 digs. Humphry was an assist machine, doling out 30 helpers while Morris led the back row with 15 digs.

Up Next

The Lady Lions return to the Brewer Sports Center to face perennial rival Bethel (Tenn.) on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m.