JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. --- The Tusculum University women's volleyball team dropped its second-straight match to an in-state conference rival on Saturday afternoon at Carson-Newman.
The Eagles (4-1, 2-0 SAC) won by scores of 25-14, 25-15, 25-21 to complete the sweep over the Pioneers (2-4, 0-2 SAC).
Carson-Newman's Megan Oldenburger led the offense with a match-high 12 kills, alongside nine digs and two block assists. Setter Elena Vasquez tossed up 15 assists, while libero Morgan Ballard scooped up 20 digs. Erin Edwards collected six total blocks with Kaina Roehrkasse and Katie Parnell were credited with five apiece.
Once again, Taylor Blythe proved to be the Pioneer offense with five kills on a .308 tear. The sophomore collected TU's only service ace along with three total blocks. Gabby Gray tied Blythe with five kills and added eight digs. Elise Carmichael led the setters with 10 assists and freshman libero Britney Shawel, picking up her second straight start, recorded 17 digs. Carli Pigza and Tatum Thornton were both credited with three block assists.
Carson-Newman finished the match with a .210 hitting percentage with 33 kills, 12 errors, and 100 total attempts. TU tallied 22 kills, 22 errors and 99 attacks for an even hitting percentage. The Eagles dominated the net with 21 total blocks and collected 54 digs, while the visiting Pioneers finished with 51 digs and 11 total blocks.
Tusculum returns to action on Tuesday the 17th for its first home match of the season. The Pioneers will face-off against conference newcomer UVa-Wise at 7pm.