ST. LOUIS — The Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions opened up their run in the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (Mo.) Eutectic Classic by falling to Evangel (Mo.) University 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-23) before toppling the University of St. Francis (Ill.) Fighting Saints in straight sets 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-12).
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Match 1
Evagel def. FHU 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-23)
The Lady Lions (5-7) never gave up in the three-set defeat to the Evangel Valor, when a block from
Avery Harris and
Catherine Hackett swung momentum FHU's way in the first set to prompt
Charley Fulton to land a service ace to close the gap to 18-16 before falling 25-18.
FHU took the first two points in the second set before Evangel (10-1) scored seven unanswered points. Undeterred,
Avery Young's kill sparked a 4-0 run that ended the same way: with Young's kill setting the score at 7-6 in favor of EU. The Valor would eventually take the set 25-18.
Saving their best for last, the Freed-Hardeman Lady Lions notched a match-high 15 kills in the third set, the most either team would tally in the match. With Evangel sitting with a 23-13 score, the Lady Lions strapped in and rattled off seven straight points led by three kills from the arm of Alanys Ruiz Rivera. Despite giving up a point and settling on match point,
Alyssa Austin had back-to-back aces before
Audrey Orton's kill made the score 24-23, but a block from EU ended the comeback bid.
Avery Young led the charge with seven kills and joined
Avery Harris with a team-high 2.0 blocks.
Charley Fulton anchored the back row with 12 digs.
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Match 2
FHU def. USF 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-12)
After an extended afternoon break, the Lady Lions (6-7) returned to action strong against the Fighting Saints of the University of Saint Francis with a back and forth first set. Tied as late as 17-17,
Audrey Orton's kill opened a six-point unanswered run by FHU ending with a kill from
Avery Harris giving FHU a 23-17 lead. Harris would close the book on the Lady Lions' first set with a kill to claim victory 25-21.
FHU did a fantastic job in the middle frame at stringing together points, surrendering the ball back to the Saints (9-7) only three times after siding out. Their longest run began at 11-7 with a kill from Orton beginning her turn at the service line and ending with FHU on top 15-7. Late kills from the outside hitters put the Lady Lions in the driver's seat with a 25-18 set victory.
The Lady Lions started the third set hot after jumping out to a 10-4 lead, led by a kill and a block from
Iza Wos. Orton joined the attack in force, smashing three straight kills to help the Lady Lions to a 16-5 lead.
Cate Schroer closed the book on the match with a kill to finish the 25-12 set win.
Audrey Orton finished the night with a double-double, tallying 10 kills and 14 digs.
Avery Harris led the attack with 12 kills at an astonishing .545 clip.
Charley Fulton pulled up 16 digs with
Cate Schroer ending a kill shy of a double-double with 11 digs and nine kills.
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Up Next
It will be an early start for the Lady Lions, who will rise with the sun to prepare to take on York (Neb.) University tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. They will end their visit to the Gateway City at 12:30 p.m. with a matchup with Friends (Kan.) University.
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