Not to be outdone by the first two sets of the day in the Atlanta Regional, the match between Christopher Newport University and Thomas More College matched the intensity of the earlier contests with the Captains edging the Saints 3-2 in the third five-set instant classic at the Woodruff PE Center on the campus of Emory University.

The match was a back-and-forth affair as TMC roared out early, taking the first set 25-16. CNU countered with wins in the second and third, narrowly squeaking out wins by 25-22 and 25-23 margins. The Saints answered with a convincing 25-16 fourth set win to force another five-setter at the WoodPEC.

The teams traded points to open the fifth set and were tied at 7-7 until CNU went on a 5-1 run to move in front 12-8. Thomas More got two points back to close within 12-10 but the Saints claimed three of the final four points to take the set and the match.

Katie Piper had 21 kills for Christopher Newport with Abby Oren added 10 terminations to her ledger. Josie Lucernoni collected a match-high 28 digs while Ashley Burgess handed out a team-high 22 assists as part of a 22-14 assist-dig double-double.

For Thomas More, four players reached double figures in kills with Jenna Mummert’s 24 pacing both squads. Madison Krumpelman had 16 kills and 22 digs while Carlee Lambert posted 12 terminations.

CNU advances to the second round where they await the winner of Emory and Worcester State. Match time is slated for 7:00 PM.