Romeoville, Ill. – The Lewis University women's volleyball team picked up a win in their first home game of the year as they defeated in-state rival Roosevelt, 3-0, in intercollegiate volleyball action Tuesday evening at Neil Carey Arena.
With the win, the Flyers improved to 8-6 while the Lakers dipped to 1-12.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ahead by one early in the first set, 7-6, the Flyers offense took off as a kill from junior
Sarah Newberry (Fairfield, Ohio/Stephen T Badin) began a 9-0 run which gave Lewis a 16-6 cushion. During the run, senior Emma O'Neil led the Lewis attack with three kills. Despite the run, Roosevelt continued to attack and found themselves within two of Lewis' lead, 21-19, after a 5-2 run. Still, the Flyers weathered the storm and closed the set by rattling off four consecutive points to seal the 25-19 set victory and take a 1-0 match lead.
In the second set, Lewis trailed 5-3 early, but an attack error from the Lakers sparked a 5-0 run that gave Lewis an 8-5 edge.
The Flyers never looked back and despite another late Lakers rally which cut their lead to two, 19-17, the red and white tallied six of the next seven points to seal the 25-18 set two win and go ahead, 2-0. During the second set, Lewis hit at a match best. 364 (13-1-33) compared to .150 (13-7-40) for the Lakers.
Tied 20-20 in a closely contested final frame, the Lakers broke the deadlock first as a service error put the visitors ahead, 21-20. Still, the Flyers had a response as an attack error from Roosevelt tied the match, 21-21. The Flyers kept the Lakers off the scoreboard the remainder of the way as they capped their match-sealing 5-0 run with a kill from freshman
Ann Kelly Velikov (Orvault, France/C.E.N.S.) to emerge victorious in the third set, 25-21 and complete the sweep.
Newberry led Lewis with nine kills and two aces while King paced the squad in assists with 14. At the net, O'Neil amassed six blocks while junior
Lauren Buxton (Springfield, Ill./Pleasant Plains) tallied 11 digs. As a team, Lewis ended the match with a .292 (37-9-96) hitting percentage.
Lillian Hallahan led Roosevelt with eight kills and 10 digs while her teammate Jessica Meier posted 11 assists. As a team, the Lakers ended the match with a .018 (27-25-114) hitting percentage.
POSTMATCH COMMENTS
MATCH NOTES
- Despite being only an hour apart, today marked the first meeting between Lewis and Roosevelt in women's volleyball.
- O'Neil tallied five-or-more blocks for the first time since Sept. 20 at Embry-Riddle
- Buxton amassed double-digit digs for the third time in her last four appearances with 11 this evening.
- The Flyers opened their home slate with a 3-0 decision for the first time since Sept. 22, 2023 against Drury.
- Lewis held an opponent to a sub .100 hitting percentage for the fifth time this season and first time since Sept. 19 against Clark Atlanta.
UP NEXT
Lewis will welcome Truman State to Neil Carey Arena for their first home GLVC game of the season. Opening serve is set for 6 p.m.
50 YEARS OF WOMEN'S ATHLETICS
Lewis University is also organizing several alumni and family events throughout the women's athletic seasons to commemorate this historic milestone. These special gatherings will provide an opportunity for former athletes, families, and supporters to reconnect and celebrate the achievements of women's sports at Lewis. The scheduled events include:
- Women's Soccer Alumni Day (Oct. 17)
- Women's Volleyball (Nov. 14)
For the latest news, scores, and updates on Lewis women's volleyball, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @Lewisuwvb on Instagram and @LewisWVBall on X.
