Story by Maggiann Ackerman
Contributing writer
Murray State’s volleyball team remained undefeated in Racer Arena after sweeping Eastern Illinois University 25-20, 25-10, and 25-22.
The Racers came out confident and ready for a fight. A massive change in momentum took place after Murray State freshmen middle blocker Kolby McClelland put down a crucial block, making the score 13-8 and forcing EIU to call a timeout.
The Panthers, however, were not ready to roll over and closed the lead to 14-13 leaving Murray State shaken up after a service ace by Eastern Illinois sophomore libero Madison Cunningham.
A big hit by Murray State junior offhand hitter Megan Lindsay, a smart play by McClelland, and an ace by Murray State junior outside hitter Rachel Giustino got the Racers back in gear and made the score 20-16.
After a timeout, EIU regained its composure and tied the game up at 20. Murray State senior middle blocker Dacia Brown showed off her experience in high-pressure situations by blocking EIU’s attempt to take the lead.
Back-to-back errors by the Panthers and a killer hit by Lindsay sealed their fate, and Murray State won the set 25-20.
In the second set the two teams were going block-for-block which made the score 3-2 in Murray State’s favor and it appeared the second set was going to be a battle similar to the first.
The Racers had other plans, however, and went on a five-point run to make the game 12-6.
A towering presence from Brown and McClelland at the net, errors made by EIU and an unreturnable crafty float serve by Murray State sophomore setter Callie Anderton helped the Racers pull away and conclude the set 25-10.
EIU made a statement in the third set by maintaining the lead to make the score 9-7. Both teams were throwing everything they could at each other with quick sets, slides, big blocks and more.
Throughout the whole set the teams were neck-and-neck. After a great dig by Murray State junior back row specialist Alex Kaufmann, followed by a hard hit by Brown, the score jumped to 20-18 and it seemed the Racers were about to close this set out. EIU refused to give up, going on a 3-0 run and took the lead 22-21.
Lindsay tied the game 22-22 with a vital kill followed by a superb hit by Brown to take the lead in the final points of the set. A wisely placed tip made by Giustino and great use of the block by McClelland closed out the final set 25-22.
The Racers are now on a three-game winning streak following the victory over Eastern Illinois. Head Coach David Schwepker praised his team’s endurance concluding the game.
“I think playing at Racer Arena in this hot gym is hard for other teams coming in,” Schwepker said. “We’re used to it because this is where we practice every day. They know if they act tired we’re going to have to fix that. So if they are tired, they’re not going to act like it.”
Brown said her on-court chemistry with her teammate Giustino paid dividends in the win. Together the duo had 26 kills and scored 30 out of Murray State’s 52 points.
“Rachel and I are really good friends,” Brown said. “We joke around actually because I dyed my hair red so we always say, “Name a better redhead duo.” We have a lot of fun and we’re always there for each other.”
Racer volleyball (9-9) (3-3) is scheduled to play Tennessee State at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct 12 in Nashville, Tennessee.