October 4, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

PARAGOULD, Ark. — The tandem of Kacey Donegan and Jayden Watkins combined for 26 kills, six more than the entire opposition as they led the Lady Lions to victory 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-23) over the hosting Lady Pioneers of Crowley's Ridge (Ark.) College. 

Freed-Hardeman (10-8, 2-4 MSC) and Crowley's Ridge swapped points at the beginning of the first set, with the Lady Pioneers taking an early 8-6 lead. After an error and a kill from Catherine Hackett, Bryce Morris sparked a run for the girls in maroon with a service ace. Following the ace, Donegan slammed down two kills before another Hackett kill forced a CRC timeout. The Lady Lions never looked back, winning the first set 25-14.

The second set opened in favor of host Crowley's Ridge (3-13, 1-2 CAC) with a kill. The momentum; however, would immediately swing to the Lady Lions who rattled off six unanswered points to take a 6-1 lead. The middle set was a model of attacking power, with 20 of the Lady Lions' 25 points in the frame coming off of kills as FHU cruised to a 25-17 win.

Despite subbing in younger players near the end of the third set, a 7-0 would help seal the match for FHU with a 25-13 set victory to claim the sweep.

Watkins led the Lady Lion offense with 16 kills on a .324 hitting percent clip. Behind her, Donegan kept her double-double streak alive with 10 kills and 15 digs continuing her streak to five matches. Defensively, Donegan was joined by Avery Harris with one solo block and one block assist, while Donegan's dig total was matched by Morris's 15. In two sets of play, Avery Young posted her season-high of five kills. Setting up the Lady Lion offense was Allie Humphry and Adleigh Mayes, tallying 22 and 20 assists, respectively. 

Up Next

The road trip continues for the Lady Lions, with a trio of Mid-South Conference matches awaiting FHU. Their next stop will be in Portsmouth, Ohio, where the Lady Lions match up with the Shawnee State (Ohio) University Bears on Saturday, October 7, beginning at 5:00 p.m. CDT.