SWEET BRIAR, Va. – The Sweet Briar College volleyball team (0-14) was tripped up by the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls (2-8, 0-6 CIAA) this evening at Williams Gymnasium, falling three sets by set scores of 25-11, 25-9 and 25-16.
In the opening set, Sweet Briar kept the score close before Johnson C. Smith pulled away late. Senior
Clara Delattre (Long Lake, Minn.) provided early attacks, while first-year
Rachael Hunt (Willow Spring, N.C.) led the way with multiple kills. Sweet Briar's defense showed hustle, notably with senior
Davis Shiflett (Louisa, Va.) and sophomore
Mila Mutabdzija (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) contributing digs to stifle runs, and the team earned some key blocks to slow the Golden Bulls' offense in stretches. However, errors disrupted the Vixens' rhythm, and Johnson C. Smith capitalized to take the first set 25-11, despite a solid serve-receive by junior
Gracyn Wright (Rock Hill, S.C.) and a block from Peregrine.
The second set saw Sweet Briar battle back to force tighter rallies and showcase improved execution. Junior
Emily Roberts (Walkertown, N.C.) produced an early kill and Hunt continued to add offense. Peregrine contributed with a well-timed block, while Mutabdzija and Shiflett added net presence and supported the passing game. Senior
Stella Ball's (Salt Lake City, Utah) energy off the bench brought defensive stops, and Wright helped the team maintain serve pressure. Despite moments where Sweet Briar rallied after timeouts and pushed the side-out percentage to competitive levels, Johnson C. Smith found separation mid-set, and the Vixens dropped the frame 25-9.
In the third and final set, Sweet Briar executed more successful offensive sequences as Hunt finished with a team-best four kills and Mutabdzija, Roberts and Wright each contributed attacks. Peregrine continued to defend at the net, and Mutabdzija added aces from the service line. Defensive efforts by Shiflett and the libero corps kept the rallies alive, and Sweet Briar improved digging numbers in the final stretch, but Johnson C. Smith's consistency on attacks and serves ultimately sealed the match at 25-16.
Highlights
- Both Hunt and Peregrine led both teams in blocks in this evening's match.
- Wright tied for the game-high in digs with six total.
What's Next
The Vixens will have over a week off before their next contest at Regen on Oct. 18th.
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