The No. 10-ranked Emory volleyball team posted its second Sunday win when it came away with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Birmingham Southern College. The Eagles scrapped their way to a 27-25, 21-25, 25-18, 20-25, 16-14, outcome over the Panthers, raising their overall slate to 21-5. Earlier in the day, Emory defeated Hendrix, 3-0.
In a defensive battle, Emory posted a hitting percentage of .163 (67-34—204) while BSC checked in at .114 (51-28—201). The Eagles totaled a season-high 106 digs, tying the program's sixth-highest match total, while the Panthers finished with 96. Both teams recorded 13 total blocks.
In the decisive fifth set, Emory stared at a 12-14 deficit before rattling off four unanswered points to escape Bill Battle Coliseum with the victory. Two of those four points came as a result of block assists from sophomore Carly Saitman and freshman Leah Saunders. Saitman ended the match with seven (2-5) total blocks while Saunders totaled three (0-3).
Sophomore Sara Carr spearheaded the Emory attack with a match-high 19 kills, her sixth straight double-figure performance in that category. Sophomore Morgan McKnight and Saunders rounded out the Eagles' double-figure terminators with 15 and 12 kills, respectively. Sophomore Savannah Bush chipped in nine successful attack attempts and six (0-6) total blocks. Sophomore Elyse Thompson established a school record with 38 digs, her fourth outing of 30 or more this year.
The Eagles return to action on Friday, October 27, when they host the first day of the Emory National Invitational.