PEORIA, Ill.—A relentless effort propelled the Miami University volleyball team (1-2) to a five-set win at the Bradley CEFCU Invitation against the host Braves (0-2) on Saturday morning as the RedHawks picked up their first win of the season, 25-21, 24-26, 25-18, 23-25, 15-9. Two RedHawks eclipsed 20 kills with
Allyson Severance amassing a career-high 22 and
Ellie Hanson following closely behind with 21.
Brooke Jackson was named to the all-tournament team for Miami.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Miami took an early advantage and led by as many as four several times, including a 13-9 lead off an Abby Stratford kill. The Braves came back to take their first lead of the match at 16-15. The RedHawks used an 8-1 flurry that included a pair of Gentry Warrick service aces to notch a 23-17 advantage and went on to claim the opening set, 25-21.
- Bradley jumped out to a 5-1 lead early in the second set. Another Warrick service ace helped spark the RedHawks as they took a 10-8 lead. Miami took three-point advantages at 19-16 and 23-20, but Bradley closed out the set on a 6-1 run to win the second stanza, 26-24.
- Miami took command early and continued its momentum throughout the third set, leading by an 11-5 margin. The RedHawks continued to add to their lead, posting a late 23-15 advantage off a Maggie McCrary kill. Back-to-back kills from Hanson iced the third set for the RedHawks, 25-18.
- Bradley pulled out to an 11-8 lead in the fourth set. Miami used a 6-0 flurry mid-way through the set to notch a 17-13 advantage. The Braves came back to take a 22-21 advantage. Both teams battled for points down the stretch, but Bradley came away with the 25-23 win in the fourth set.
- A balanced offensive attack and three-straight service aces from Hanson catapulted Miami to a quick 7-1 lead in the fifth set. The Braves got as close as four, but the RedHawks dug deep and persevered for the 15-9 win in the closing set.
NOTES:
- Severance's 22 kills led all players and she added 12 digs.
- Hanson posted a team-leading 14 digs to go along with three service aces and her 21 kills.
- Hicks paced the RedHawks with 48 assists.
- Warrick added 10 kills, three service aces and three blocks, while Margo Lawson posted 13 digs.
UP NEXT:
The RedHawks return home to host the Miami/Best Western Invitational Sept. 2-3. Miami hosts Marshall in its home opener at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2.