JACKSON, Tenn. --- The Mississippi College volleyball team opened the 2022 campaign with a pair of sweeps on the first day of the Union University Classic in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 26. MC (2-0) opened the day blanking the University of Arkansas at Monticello and swept through Texas Woman's University in straight sets to wrap up the day.
 
It's the first time the program has started the season 2-0 since the 2020 shortened campaign and the 10th in program history.
 
Sophomore Lydia Paulette led the charge offensively as she totaled double-digit kills in each match. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native notched a team-best 13 in the opening-day win over the Blossoms and added in 12 against TWU.
 
Freshman Caroline Chastang finished second on the team in kills as she compiled 20, including a team-best 13 in the win over the Pioneers to move the Navy and Gold to 2-0 on the season. Kendall Platt finished third on the team as she totaled 17 kills, including 11 in the win over the Blossoms.
 
Lexie Laurendine guided the offense as she dished out 37 assists over the two matches. JUCO transfer, Ali Wiggins, finished second on the squad with 24 dimes.
 
Defensively, Julia Sumrall and Sloane FitzHenry posed threats at the net as the duo combined for 11 blocks. Sumrall paced the team with six while FitzHenry added five. Four Choctaws recorded double-figure digs on the day led by Missy Beber's 19.
 
 The victory over TWU marks the first in program history while the season-opening win against the Blossoms gives the Choctaws' a 3-2 advantage in the series with its neighboring state foe. It's the first win over the Green and White out of the state of Arkansas.
 
Mississippi College returns to action on Saturday, Aug. 27 as wraps up its stay in the Volunteer State. MC opens the day at 3:15 p.m. against Belmont Abbey University. It closes out the Classic against the host Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m.
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