The Emory University volleyball team returned to the Woodruff PE Center on Thursday and posted a pair of well-earned victories.  The No. 4-ranked Eagles opened with a 3-1 decision over Lee University (25-22, 25-17, 20-25, 25-23) before registering a 3-1 verdict against Division II foe USC-Aiken (18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19).  The two wins boosted Emory's overall record to 26-5.

Sophomore Alexandra Wright hit 45.8 percent (13-2-24) and classmate Jessica McAlvany totaled a match-14 kills in keying the win against the Flames of Lee.  Lee actually finished the match with a slim 20.9 to 20.4 edge in attack percentage and each squad registered 68 digs.  The Eagles held a 10-3 bulge in service aces with senior Alysse Meyer and sophomore Kelsey Hodge each dishing out three. Senior Vista Murphy led the club with 17 digs while McAlvany chipped in 16.

The Pacers of USC-Aiken hit 30.6 percent and held Emory to .061 percent in capturing the first set of that match.  However, the Eagles bounced back and responded with a stellar defensive effort, limiting USC-Aiken to a .080 (37-26-138) attack percentage for the entire while countering with an effort of 21.2 percent (51-22-137).  McAlvany blasted away for 15 kills and junior Amelia McCall added 11.  Freshman Breanah Bourque gave the home team a huge lift off the bench with nine kills, three service aces, five digs and four blocks in the three sets she played.  Murphy led all players with 19 digs and sophomore setter Natalie Schonefeld concluded the evening with 39 assists.

The Eagles return to action Oct. 30-31 when they host the Emory Halloween Tournament.

Emory vs. Lee

Emory vs. USC-Aiken