PENSACOLA, Fla. --- Mississippi College fell to the University of West Florida in straight sets on Friday at UWF Field House.
Samarin Kipple recorded a team-high 19 digs and added six assists, playing a crucial role in the team's defensive efforts.
Reese Regner contributed significantly with 13 assists, facilitating the offensive flow.
Mary Grace Foster tallied six kills and added two digs to her performance over three frames while
Rhaia Davey made an impact at the net with three total blocks and three kills.
MC kept a close score early in the first set, as
Holland Williams and Davey each recorded a kill to level the score at 2-2. The Blue and Gold briefly took the lead at 3-2 following an attack error by West Florida's Magdalena Vongkasemsiri, thanks to a block by Davey and
Audrianna Green. However, the Argos capitalized on several miscues, taking control and building a lead.
The Choctaws attempted a comeback with a series of points midway through the set, including a kill by
Ellie Foco that narrowed the gap to 16-12. Despite the efforts, UWF maintained their advantage and took the set 25-13.
MC experienced early challenges in the second frame, falling behind with an initial 2-0 deficit due to a kill by UWF's Vongkasemsiri. The Blue and Gold managed to level the score at 2-all with a block by Davey. However, the Green and Blue responded with a series of successful plays, leading to a 10-4 run against the Choctaws.
Despite efforts from MC, including kills from Green and Foster, UWF extended their lead to 18-6. The Blue and Gold capitalized on several service errors by the Argos, closing the gap slightly. MC continued to fight, with
Emma Levingston contributing a kill to bring the score to 20-9. Ultimately, West Florida sealed the set with a 25-14 victory.
MC opened the third set with strong momentum, quickly securing a 3-0 lead with key kills by Foster and
Cydney Mitchell, both assisted by
Sophia Saxon and
Meg Paparella. However, West Florida responded, narrowing the gap and eventually overtaking the lead with a series of successful attacks.
Despite efforts by the Choctaws to regain control, including significant kills by Levingston and Paparella, West Florida maintained the upper hand. The Argos capitalized on attack errors and their own offensive plays, eventually closing the set and the match with a 25-17 victory.
The Choctaws return to action on Saturday, Nov. 8 as it travels to the Peach State. First serve at Valdosta State is 11 a.m. central.
