Brenau Defeats the Southern Wesleyan Warriors

GAINESVILLE, Ga - The Brenau University volleyball team hosted Southern Wesleyan University in a conference match, on Wednesday evening. The Golden Tigers overwhelmed the Warriors, as they defeated them in 3 straight sets, 26-24, 25-23, and 25-22. This victory improved their overall record to 10-10 (3-7 SSAC).

In the first set, Brenau trailed behind Southern Wesleyan by a five point average. The Golden Tigers remained consistent for the entire set, and halfway through saw an opportunity to change the momentum. As the Warriors began to make mental errors, Brenau took full advantage and tied up the score 24-24. The Golden Tigers remained aggressive and won the first set 26-24.

Southern Wesleyan and Brenau rallied back and forth for the remainder of the match. The lead kept changing between the two teams, but the Golden Tigers took charge at 20-19. Brenau finished the second set 25-23, and controlled the tone of the match from there out.

"This match was a great victory for us, in more ways than one. As a team, we were able to overcome some mental barriers we had set, and demonstrated the consistency and ball control that our team is capable of", stated Coach Meredith Franklin. "This win is huge for us, now having 2 consecutive conference wins".

Junior outside hitter, Melissa Thornton (Woodstock, GA) led the Golden Tigers with 10 kills, while also earning 12 digs, for the evening. Both Alexis Arthur (Aiken, SC) and Danelle Russell (Cartersville, GA) collected 7 kills; Arthur went on to earn 12 digs and a single block, as Russell totaled 16 digs, 1 service ace, and a block. Rachel Adam (Athens, GA), freshman middle, earned 8 kills and 3 stuff blocks, for the match.

The setters, Mekenna Cipres (Murrieta, CA) and Kerry Abernathy (Celebration, FL) set the offense on fire. Cipres made 22 assists, 2 kills, 2 service aces, and 5 digs, while Abernathy earned 5 kills, 11 assists, 6 digs, and 1 service ace.

The Golden Tigers will travel to LaGrange College on Friday, October 7th. The game against the Lady Panthers is schedule to begin at 5:00pm.