McKENZIE, Tenn. – The LeMoyne Owen College women's volleyball team brought the energy, delivered at the net, and walked away with a statement victory Tuesday evening, defeating Bethel University 3-1 (25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 25-20) inside Crisp Arena.
Behind a balanced offensive attack, dominant blocking and several standout individual performances, the Lady Magicians secured their third victory of the season and gained valuable momentum heading into a pair of home conference match-ups.
Rylee Foerster led the offensive charge with a match-high 15 kills, hitting an impressive .286 while adding five total blocks. Kennedy White delivered an outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 14 kills, 15 digs, and two service aces. Jada Griffin contributed eight kills, while Jordan Williams added seven.
Running the offense was setter Madelyn Ross, who orchestrated the attack with an impressive 40 assists and four service aces. Her distribution helped LeMoyne Owen finish with 49 kills and a .161 hitting percentage, outperforming Bethel's 41 kills and .101 hitting percentage.
However, it was the Lady Magicians' presence at the net that truly made the difference.
LeMoyne Owen dominated the blocking battle, recording 12 team blocks compared to just three for Bethel. Williams led the defensive wall with seven block assists, while Malani Duncan added six and Foerster contributed five total blocks. The collective effort disrupted Bethel's offensive rhythm and helped the Lady Magicians maintain control throughout much of the contest.
In the back row, Makayla Smith delivered another impressive defensive performance, collecting a match-high 26 digs. White added 15, while senior Abbie Chatman and Ileana Austin contributed eight apiece.
The Lady Magicians established their rhythm early, taking the opening two sets 25-21 and 25-17. Their second-set performance was particularly impressive, as LOC recorded 13 kills while hitting .333.
Bethel responded by claiming the third set 25-17, but LeMoyne Owen refused to let the momentum slip away.
With an opportunity to close the match, the Lady Magicians saved their best offensive production for last, delivering a match-high 17 kills in the fourth set. LOC captured the final frame 25-20, sealing the four-set victory and putting an exclamation point on an impressive road performance.
The win showcased the Lady Magicians' ability to respond to adversity, execute offensively, and make timely defensive plays when it mattered most.
Up Next: A Homecoming Weekend Full of Magic
The Lady Magicians will return to Bruce Johnson Hall for an exciting two-match homestand.
LeMoyne Owen will first welcome Kentucky State University on Friday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m. for its annual Pink Out Game, promoting breast cancer awareness.
The excitement continues Saturday, October 24, when the Lady Magicians host Central State University at 1:00 p.m. as part of LeMoyne-Owen College's Homecoming festivities.
With the Memphis faithful behind them and conference opponents coming to town, the Lady Magicians will look to carry the energy from their road victory back to their home floor.
