September 20, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Freed-Hardeman University hosted their first true home match against (RV) Cumberland (Tenn.) University on Tuesday night. A battle at the net saw the Lady Lions and the Phoenix combine for 16 blocks with the visitors escaping with a win 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-22).

FHU (8-7, 1-3 MSC) was in the driver's seat to begin the first set, with Adleigh Mayes stepping up to serve and leading the Lion Lions on a 6-0 run to jump ahead 7-3. The hot start continued until the Lady Lions forced a timeout leading 19-13. The timeout ignited a fire under the Phoenix who exploded with 10 unanswered points, three of which came via the service ace, to shock FHU with a 25-20 set win.

The middle frame was the best for both teams with FHU tallying 15 kills and Cumberland (10-3, 2-1) posting 18 kills. Jayden Watkins sparked her Lady Lions with three straight kills to start the set. With neither team leading by more than four points, an Avery Harris kill brought the Lady Lions within a point of the Phoenix at 20-19, but Cumberland kept the momentum to win the set 25-22. The second set saw the Phoenix and the Lady Lions draw even nine times and swap leads five times.

Freed-Hardeman fell victim to the Cumberland service attack and front-row defense in the final set. The Phoenix tallied three aces and four blocks to win the final set 25-22. 

Kacey Donegan continued her all-rounder prowess, leading her Lady Lions in both kills, 11, and digs, 10. Allie Humphry notched 12 assists and a pair of aces. On the front row, by involving herself in five blocks, Ann Elise Jackson brought her career stuff total to an even 200.

Up Next

FHU will take the court next on Friday, September 23 against the FireHawks of UT Southern. Activities from the Brewer Sports Center will begin at 6:00 p.m.