MEMPHIS, Tenn. --- Mississippi College claimed three of the last four sets to outlast Christian Brothers in a thrilling five-set, Gulf South Conference match on Friday night at Canale Arena. MC improved to 8-12 on the season and evens its conference record at 5-5.
Â
Â
After MC fell 25-18 in the opening set, it began the second set with a strong defensive effort, capitalizing on opponent errors to take an early lead. Allen's service ace contributed to a 3-0 start.
Felicity Pratt's block further extended the advantage to 5-2.
Â
As the set progressed, MC maintained control with key contributions from Foster and
Cydney Mitchell, each securing critical kills. Despite CBU tying the score at 17-17, MC responded effectively, leveraging a service ace by
Sophia Saxon to regain momentum. The Choctaws concluded the set executing a 6-2 run. Pratt and Foster delivered crucial kills, securing a 25-20 win.
Â
The Bucs stood one set victory away from claiming the contest following a 25-17 victory in the third frame, but MC opened the fourth set with a strong start, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead with contributions from Foster and Davey.
Meg Paparella added a service ace to maintain momentum early in the set. Christian Brothers managed to respond, narrowing the gap, but the Choctaws continued to find answers.
Â
MC faced a challenge when the Red and Black tied the score at 8-all. However, MC regrouped with a kill from Foster and a service ace by Paparella to regain the lead at 12-11. Despite a brief setback, MC's offense, highlighted by Foster and Pratt, remained steady to maintain a narrow margin.
Â
In the closing moments, the Blue and Gold capitalized on a series of attack errors by CBU, extending their lead to 23-20. Paparella's decisive kill, followed by an attack error from the opponent, sealed the set for MC at 25-20.
Â
In the fifth frame, the two teams stood in a stalemate through the first 22 points. A kill from Saxon gave the Choctaws the edge for good. MC closed out the final set with four of the last five points. Davey added a pair of kills to ice the contest alongside a Bucs' set error.
Â
MC remains in the Volunteer State as it travels to Jackson, Tenn., where they will face Union on October 18. First serve at 2 p.m.