October 27, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Despite a slow start in the first set, the Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions battled back in the final two sets, but each time fell short of their goal of 25 Thursday night against Campbellsville (Ky.) University. The Lady Lions fell 3-0 (25-8, 25-23, 25-23) to the Lady Tigers.

Freed-Hardeman (14-13, 4-9 MSC) dug themselves a hole in the first set, unable to make solid contact on the ball, committing 13 attack errors in the frame to their four kills. When FHU did make good contact, the Lady Tiger middle blockers were there to tally six blocks in the first set that saw CU win 25-8.

Freed-Hardeman made the necessary adjustment at the net, not allowing Campbellsville (17-5, 11-2 MSC) another block for the remainder of the match. After a service ace from Kacey Donegan gave her Lady Lions the lead at 9-6, the Lady Tigers would answer with a six-point swing to jump ahead 12-9. FHU continued to battle the remainder of the set when sitting on set point at 24-22, a CU attack error and a Charley Fulton service ace made things interesting with a 24-23 score, but the Lady Tigers tallied the necessary point to win the second set 25-23.

Improving each set, the Lady Lions hit .278 in the final frame, committing one error to their 11 kills. Not willing to go quietly, FHU and CU drew even 12 times and swapped leads seven times with FHU hoping to extend to a fourth set. Freed-Hardeman led 23-21 to force Campbellsville to call their first time out of the match. That break proved deadly, with the Lady Tigers scoring four straight points to win the set and the match 25-23.

Ashlynne Clifft and Jayden Watkins shared the lead of kills with six apiece. Bryce Morris pulled up 12 digs, with Kacey Donegan just behind with 11. Allie Humphry set up her Lady Lions for success, recording 11 assists. Donegan was a handful from the service line, tallying four aces in the loss. 

Up Next

The girls in maroon will celebrate Halloween at the Brewer Sports Center by hosting Rust (Miss.) College on Monday, October 31 at 4:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear their costumes as they cheer on the Lady Lions!