Volley Cats Beat Cumberland University
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel University Volleyball squad played host to the Cumberland University Phoenix Tuesday night in Crisp Arena.
It was Senior Night with ceremonies taking place before the varsity action which saw fans, coaches and teammates honor Ashton Davis and Kaelyn McIntosh.
After losing to Cumberland 3-0 back in September in Lebanon, the Wildcats turned the tables on the Phoenix with a 3-0 sweep of their own.
Senior Katie Pennington paced the offense with 11 kills on a .346 hitting percentage, while Kennedi Morrison added 10 kills and 13 digs in a standout performance. Setter Camila Sandoval tallied 20 assists, and libero Clara Sestini led the defense with 31 digs.
After trailing early in the opening set, Bethel rallied behind Morrison and Pennington to steal the frame 25–23. The Wildcats carried that energy through the next two sets, using strong serve receive and consistent ball control to fend off Cumberland's surges. Emma Fistarol added seven kills and Maia Seron chipped in two kills and a pair of blocks to round out a balanced attack.
Cumberland's Lila Cade finished with 12 kills and 20 digs, but Bethel's composure late in each set sealed the sweep.
Head coach Michelle Cunha praised her team's resilience and focus:
"We've been talking about finishing sets and staying aggressive in key moments," Cunha said. "Tonight, we did exactly that. I'm proud of how our group executed and trusted each other on both sides of the ball
Bethel moved to 8-10 overall and 3-4in the Mid-South Conference. Cumberland fell to 21-10 and 4-3.
It was the 40th meeting between the two programs with CU holding a 22-18 advantage in the series.
The Cats are back in action Saturday hosting Lane College at 3 p m.
Article by Derrick Hubble & Dave McCulley