JACKSON, Tenn. --- The Mississippi College volleyball team swept through the Union University Classic as it handed two blankings to Belmont Abbey College and the host Bulldogs to conclude the two-day tournament.
 
The win over UU marked the first shutout of the Bulldogs in program history and just the second over the Volunteer State institution. The sweep secured the program's first 4-0 start since 2014. MC opened the day with a sweep of BAC in the first meeting between the two schools.
 
Lydia Paulette and Caroline Chastang lead the team with 20-plus kills each on the day. Paulette totaled a team-best 21 while Chastang tallied 20. Lexie Laurendine added 15 and Kendall Platt chimed in 11. Ali Wiggins set up the offensive charge as she dished out 32 assists, including a team-best 21 in the win over Union. Laurendine registered 27 assists.
 
Kendall Platt added 19 digs while Missy Beber compiled 17 and Laurendine supplied 11. Sloane FitzHenry led the effort at the net with six total blocks.
 
After the Choctaws dismissed of the Crusaders handily in three sets (25-23, 25-8, 25-14), they faced their toughest test of the weekend as the two unbeaten Gulf South Conference members faced off in the final match of the day.
 
In a back-and-forth contest, which saw 30 deadlocks and 17 lead changes, MC rallied in all three sets to claim its first win over the Bulldogs since 2021. The Navy and Gold took the first set 25-21 and then edged out the final two sets by identical scores of 25-23.

Following the weekend action, the all-tournament team was announced with Platt being named the Most Outstanding Player. Laurendine was also named to the all-tournament team.
 
Mississippi College returns to action on Friday, Sept. 2 as it travels to Winter Haven, Fla., for the Rollins Invitational.
  Read Full Article