CLINTON, Miss. --- Mississippi College fell to Lee University in four sets on Saturday at A.E. Wood Coliseum.
Mary Grace Foster recorded 13 assists and added nine kills over four frames while
Meg Paparella contributed with 12 kills and matched that with 12 digs.
Sophia Saxon facilitated the offense by setting up 22 assists while also securing 12 digs.
Holland Williams was a force at the net, tallying five total blocks.
MC started the first set with strong offensive performance and effective serving. A series of errors from Lee allowed the Choctaws to pull ahead, with Williams contributing crucial blocks and kills. Midway through the set, MC capitalized on Lee's attack errors, extending their lead. Foster's serving was particularly impactful, delivering two consecutive aces that widened the gap to 9-3. The Blue and Gold maintained control with steady defensive plays, including blocks by
Audrianna Green and Williams.
The Choctaws continued to exert pressure, with Paparella contributing significant kills and service aces from
Rylie Widener closing out the set as MC posted a decisive 25-13 victory, establishing an early lead in the match.
The second set began with a momentum shift when the Blue and Gold capitalized on a service error from Lee to take an early lead. Foster and
Rhaia Davey contributed with key kills, supporting the team's initial four-point advantage. However, Lee answered back, tying the score at 4-4 with a sequence of service aces.
The Choctaws responded with a series of blocks and kills, including efforts from
Emma Levingston and Williams, to push ahead 9-7. Despite this, Lee launched a comeback, and both teams traded leads through the middle of the set. The set saw multiple ties, the score deadlocked at 24-24, before MC edged slightly ahead with a crucial kill from Paparella.
The set extended into extra points, with Lee ultimately securing a narrow 30-28 victory after capitalizing on attack errors. The Blue and Gold showed resilience but were unable to close out the set, ending with a two-point deficit.
The third set began with MC attempting to close the gap after Lee opened with a lead. Davey contributed with multiple kills, assisted by Saxon, to keep the score within reach. However, Lee capitalized on MC's miscues to extend their lead.
Despite efforts from Levingston and Foster to shift momentum, including successful kills, Lee maintained control. The Choctaws struggled with consistency, allowing Lee to finish the set on top. The set concluded with a 25-16 Lee victory.
The fourth set began with MC securing the first point courtesy of a kill by
Ellie Foco. They maintained a competitive edge with key contributions from Levingston and Foster, who each delivered critical kills to keep the score tight. Despite service errors that occasionally halted momentum, MC managed to take a 16-12 lead with a notable service ace.
As the set progressed, Lee countered with a series of points, including service aces and a pivotal kill by Payton Danley to level the score at 17-all. The Blue and Gold regained a slight lead with consistent plays from Davey and Williams, but Lee responded effectively, utilizing service aces to pull ahead. The Flames closed the set with a 25-22 victory, despite the Blue and Gold's efforts to close the gap with late kills from Paparella.
MC returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 5 as it travels to Montevallo, Ala., for the first of three straight contests on the road. First serve against Montevallo is 6 p.m.
