October 18, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — The Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions hoped to complete the season sweep of big cat rival Bethel (Tenn.) University on Tuesday night. Those hopes were dashed when the visitors from McKenzie posted a .311 attack mark on the way to a 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-17) final score.

The Lady Lions (13-11, 4-7 MSC) matched the Wildcats point-for-point in the first set, knotting the score seven times; however, the Lady Lions could not get over the hump to take the lead except once when Ashlynne Clifft tallied a kill off of an Allie Humphry set to lead 14-13. The lead did not last long, with the Tigers reclaiming the lead two rallies later. A Jayden Watkins kill to close the gap to 23-22 made the Bethel coach nervous, who called for time. The break worked for the Wildcats, who scored twice to take the opening set 25-22.

Bethel (17-6, 5-4 MSC) utilized a major swing in the second frame to halt any FHU momentum. FHU was unable to side out for 10 consecutive points when the Lady Lions began a skid tied the Wildcats 3-3 and ended with the guests ahead 13-3. Unable to shake off the jarring scoring swing, FHU fell in the second set 25-13.

Still stunned by the Bethel attack in the second set, the girls in maroon were not able to recover, dropping the final set 25-17.

Jayden Watkins was the lone Lady Lion in double-figures for kills, tallying 10. With 18 assists in the match, Allie Humphry continues to move up the career leaderboard, passing Cheri Kull to take over the fifth spot for career assists with 1,663. Bryce Morris pulled up a team-high nine digs, while three Lady Lions, Ashlynne Clifft, Ann Elise Jackson, and Avery Harris posted one solo block each.

Up Next

FHU will have a short break before returning to action in the Magnolia State, traveling to Holly Springs, Mississippi, to face the Rust (Miss.) College Bearcats on Friday, October 21, beginning at 6:00 p.m.