Milligan, TN - In an intense AAC conference match-up, the Reinhardt University Eagles faced a tough defeat against the Milligan Buffalos, ending in a narrow 2-3 loss in Milligan, Tenn. This marked the Eagles' first loss in the conference season, bringing their impressive record to 20-4 overall and 15-1 in the conference.
The match showcased the formidable talent on both sides, opening with the Eagles clinching the first set 25-17. Milligan quickly responded by taking the second set 25-16. The competition remained tight, with both teams trading victories in the next two sets; Eagles won the fourth 25-19, but Milligan ultimately prevailed by winning the crucial fifth set 15-10. Notable performances included Juliette Baffico with 20 kills and Jenna Smith who contributed significantly with 15 kills, 12 digs, and two aces.
The Eagles also displayed strong defensive skills. Caroline Curry stood out with one solo and three assist blocks, while Ashlynn Barnes orchestrated the offense masterfully with a whopping 51 assists. The match not only highlighted individual talents but also emphasized the team's collective effort amid a challenging opponent.
Reflecting on this arduous contest, the setback is viewed as a learning curve, gearing the Eagles for their upcoming home match against Montreat College on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at home at 6:30pm. As the Eagles regroup, they aim to leverage the experiences from this match to fortify their strategy and team cohesion for the remainder of the season.
