The No. 6 Emory volleyball team wrapped up a perfect weekend of play at the Cal Lutheran Invitational on Saturday with a pair of victories, closing out the weekend with a 4-0 slate while upping its season mark to 7-1. The Eagles topped No. 15 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-22), before coming away with a come-from-behind triumph 3-2 verdict over No. 23 Mary Hardin-Baylor (20-25, 25-16, 23-25, 25-21, 16-14).
In the Saturday opener vs. CMS, the Eagles recorded a .255 attack percentage (42-14—110) while the Athenas posted a .182 mark (47-23—132). Senior Leah Jacobs was the lone Emory player to finish in double-figure kills with 12 terminations while compiling a .407 hitting effort (12-1—27). Sophomore Jessica Holler and sophomore Kathryn Trinka each added eight successful attack attempts with Holler delivering a strong defensive performance with a career-high 10 total blocks (3-7) that tied the program's eight-highest individual total. Holler's play at the net aided Emory to a 15-6 advantage in total blocks. Senior Kate Bowman and freshman Hannah Billings tied for team honors with 13 digs.
In the clash against Mary Hardin-Baylor, Emory spread its offense out with three players registering double-figure kills led by Jacobs who pounded out 19 terminations while adding five block assists. Jess Holler and sophomore Sarah Maher each accounted for 15 successful attack attempts with Maher's effort representing a career high and fifth contest of 10 or more terminations. Holler, who hit a blazing .560 (15-1—25), also added seven total blocks (1-6). For the match, Emory hit .231 (71-28—186) compared to MHB's .181 (60-25—193). The Eagles enjoyed a 92-79 cushion in digs and were led in that department by Bowman's 29, tying the program's 10th-highest individual match total. Sophomore Sheridan Rice added 16 digs. Junior Sydney Miles doled out a season-high 56 assists in the triumph, her third-highest total as an Eagle.
The Eagles return to action the weekend of Sept. 12-13 when they make their season home debut by hosting the Emory Classic.