Reinhardt Lady Eagles Volleyball
Team Record: 6-5 (2-1)
Head Coach: Jennifer Kandt
By: Kraig Doremus
After eight straight non-conference games to begin the season, the Reinhardt Lady Eagles volleyball team recently played their first conference games of the 2014. They came into conference play with a record of 4-4.
The Lady Eagles hit the road to begin conference play, competing against at Montreat and Milligan on back to back days. The Lady Eagles defeated Montreat College in three sets, winning by scores of 25-22, 25-23 and 25-17. In the contest, sophomore Ryan Burke led the Eagles, tallying five blocks. In addition, senior Katie Gilstrap had eight kills, while junior Sam Croce, an AAC Setter of the Week winner, tallied 22 assists. The win against the Cavaliers gave the Lady Eagles a 1-0 record in conference and 5-4 record overall. The ladies did not have much time to rest as they traveled to Milligan College for an 11 AM first serve the next morning. The game against Milligan was hard fought as the Lady Eagles battled the Lady Buffs to five sets before ultimately falling to the opponent. Reinhardt would win the first and third sets of the game by scores of 27-25 and 26-24, falling in the second set 25-18. Milligan would take the final two sets 25-17 and 15-6, edging the Lady Eagles three sets to two. Once again, Burke and Gilstrap had solid games for the Lady Eagles as they each had four blocks. Senior Taylor Larkey had a team high 19 digs. The loss would give Reinhardt a 5-5 record overall and a 1-1 record in conference.
After playing two consecutive road games, the Lady Eagles returned to Reinhardt to host conference foe Tennessee Wesleyan. Being back in their own gym proved beneficial for them as they defeated the Bulldogs of TWC in three sets, 25-21, 25-18 and 25-16. Sophomore Ally Hurd led the team in kills, tallying ten, while junior Katelyn Wienbarg added eight of her own. In addition, Sam Croce had a double-double on the night, finishing with 26 assists and a team high ten digs. By winning the match-up against Tennessee Wesleyan, the Lady Eagles now boast a 6-5 overall record and a 2-1 mark in conference play. They are currently part of a four-way tie for third place in the Appalachian Athletic Conference standings.
Next up, the Lady Eagles continue their home stand as they welcome Truett-McConnell and Point to Waleska. Truett-McConnell recently defeated the Point Skyhaws in five sets and are in sole possession of eighth place in the AAC standings. The Skyways are currently in a three-way tie for 11th place in the standings. First serve against the Truett-McConnell Bears will take place on Friday, September 26, at 6:30 PM, while the contest against the Skyhawks of Point will begin the next afternoon at 1 PM.
