The No. 9-ranked Emory volleyball team continues its run in the postseason after battling to a Saturday afternoon victory over Colorado College in the semifinals of the NCAA Mount Berry Regional. The Eagles were triumphant for the 13th time in their last 14 outings and upped their overall record to 26-6 following a 25-21, 25-23, 27-25 decision over the No. 4-ranked Tigers who closed out their season at 32-3.
Freshman Tara Martin and sophomore Leah Saunders were an effective 1-2 punch for the Eagles with each player tying for match honors with 11 kills. Martin, whose terminations total represented her third straight and fourth double-figure outing of the campaign, turned in a .409 hitting percentage (11-2—22) while Saunders hit a solid .368 (11-4—19) and contributed seven digs. Senior middle Sydney Leimbach played a key role in the outcome, hitting .500 on the strength of nine kills with just one error in 16 swings.
Senior setter Mady Arles compiled 43 assists, her ninth match of 40 or more this year came registered five of the team's eight service aces.
The Tigers finished with a slight edge in hitting for the 26th time this year, posting a .309 (38-9—94) mark to Emory's .308 (49-17—104). The Eagles held a 42-37 edge in digs, with seniors Elyse Thompson and Becky Breuer leading the way with 12 apiece, while CC closed out the contest holding a 7-4 margin in total blocks.
The win over Colorado College sends Emory in Sunday afternoon's (2:00 pm) final against either No. 17-ranked Berry College or No. 21 Mary Hardin-Baylor.