University of Lynchburg

Virginia Beach, Va. -- After reaching the conference final match for the first time in 12 years, the University of Lynchburg women's volleyball team fell to Batten in four sets in the ODAC Championship on Saturday at TowneBank Arena.

Although the RV Hornets (26-5) fell just short against the Marlins (27-4), Lynchburg has found much success on the season in totality. Heading into today's contest, the Hornets ranked 26th in the DIII NPI rankings, which bodes well for their hopes to clinch an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament. Additionally, Lynchburg tied the program record for victories in a season, matching its total from last season.

The Hornets won the opening set 25-12 before Batten responded with victories of 25-17, 25-14 and 25-19. Lynchburg controlled the opening frame with 11 kills and only two attack errors, finishing the set with a .310 hitting percentage. The Hornets broke a 2-2 tie with three consecutive points and did not trail again. Kate Hardie recorded three kills and two service aces, while Ava Meinhardt supplied five kills on seven attempts. Lynchburg also registered four total blocks while holding Batten to a .031 hitting percentage.

Batten answered by hitting .367 in the second set and .333 in the third to take a 2-1 advantage in the match. The Hornets recorded 10 kills in the second frame and nine in the third.
Lynchburg produced 12 kills and hit .146 in the fourth set, but Batten closed the match with 17 kills and a .261 hitting percentage during the frame.

Meinhardt led the Hornets with 12 kills on 25 attempts, finishing with a .440 hitting percentage. She also contributed one solo block and five block assists. Hardie added 11 kills, 14 digs, two service aces and one block assist.

Tori Williamson finished with eight kills, three digs, one ace and two block assists. Cambre Phillips recorded four kills, eight digs and two of Lynchburg's five service aces.

Alexis Scipione handed out a team-high 18 assists and added seven digs and two block assists. Kenstin Phelps contributed 16 assists and six digs, while Mia Hinkamper led Lynchburg with 20 digs. The Hornets finished with 42 kills, 38 assists, 64 digs and eight total blocks.

As aforementioned, Lynchburg will await its destiny in the NCAA tournament. The selection show is set to premiere on ncaa.com on Monday, November 16 at 1 p.m.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-date news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

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