University of Lynchburg

Bridgewater, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's volleyball team responded after dropping the opening set to defeat Bridgewater in four frames Wednesday evening at Nininger Hall.

The Hornets (23-4, 10-2 ODAC) earned the 21-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-20 victory over the RV Eagles (22-3, 11-1) to improve to 23-4 overall and 10-2 in conference play. With its 23rd triumph of the season and 11th consecutive victory, Lynchburg has notched its second-highest win total since 2012, trailing just last year's 26-win squad.

Lynchburg started slow offensively in the opening frame, recording just nine kills and nine errors. The Hornets fought off three set points to cut a 24-18 deficit to 24-21 before Bridgewater closed the set. The Lynchburg attack answered with a nearly flawless second set. The Hornets totaled 16 kills without an attacking error on 28 attempts, producing a .571 hitting percentage to even the match.

The third set featured 11 ties and nine lead changes, but Lynchburg pulled away late in the frame for an assertive nine-point victory. The Hornets held Bridgewater to six kills and a .000 hitting percentage in the frame. Lynchburg then recorded 16 more kills in the fourth set to complete the victory.

Kate Hardie led the Hornets with 16 kills, 12 digs and three service aces, effectively achieving her sixth double-double of the season. Tori Williamson added 12 kills with a .323 hitting percentage while contributing six digs, two aces, one solo block and one block assist.

Ava Meinhardt finished with eight kills on 14 attacks for a .429 hitting percentage. She also recorded one solo block and three block assists. Cambre Phillips supplied seven kills, nine digs, four assists and one ace, while Leah DiNardo added six kills.

Alexis Scipione directed the offense with 22 assists and three service aces. Kenstin Phelps added 17 assists and nine digs. Mia Hinkamper led Lynchburg defensively with a match-high 23 digs. Hardie's 12 digs gave the Hornets two players in double figures. Lynchburg finished with 54 kills, 50 assists, 66 digs and nine aces. The Hornets hit .212 for the match while holding Bridgewater to 37 kills and a .111 hitting percentage.

Lynchburg has one more regular-season outing before heading into conference postseason action. The Hornets will take on Marymount on Saturday, November 7 at 2 p.m. in Arlington, Va.

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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