JACKSON, Tenn. --- The Mississippi College volleyball team wrapped up the third seed in the Gulf South Conference Tournament following a four-set, victory at Union University on Saturday, Nov. 16. MC improved to 15-13 on the season and 13-7 in conference play.
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A host of Choctaw recorded career and season highs in the decision.
Rhaia Davey and
Mary Grace Foster notched career-high marks as Davey totaled 12 kills – her third time with double-figure kills. Foster set the wall at the net as she gathered a career-best three solo blocks.
Julia Sumrall added nine kills, matching her season-high.
Ali Wiggins added to the season-high performances as she dished out 28 assists.
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Lydia Paulette led the way offensively with 14 kills – her 73rd contest with 10-or-more kills – while
Caylin Pixley joined Wiggins with 20-plus dimes as supplied 20 in the contest. Davey equaled Foster with three blocks while Sumrall chimed in a pair.
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The victory is the first over the Bulldogs on their home floor since 2022, but marks the third straight in the series for the Blue and Gold.
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In the opening set, the Choctaw trailed by as many as five points late in the set, 22-17, but rallied to knot the contest at 24-all. The two teams exchanged stalemates over the next few points, the last coming at 26-all. A brick wall, block assist from Sumrall and Paparella placed the Blue and Gold up 27-26 in the set and Foster delivered the final blow with a swing to the wide side of the floor.
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In the second, the Blue and Gold led out of the gate, climbing to a nine-point advantage. The Lady Bulldogs posted a late flurry, but a solo block from Sumrall ended the set and placed the visitors from the Magnolia State up two sets.
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UU rallied late in the third to send the match to another frame. The Blue and Gold quickly diminished any momentum in the fourth as it grabbed a nine-point advantage and never looked back, despite a late rally from the Red and White.
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Mississippi College travels to Pensacola, Fla., for the second round of the GSC Tournament on Friday, Nov. 23.
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