DEMOREST, Ga. – Piedmont volleyball rebounded from a 3-0 loss to Covenant to start the day with a thrilling fourth-set comeback to overtake LaGrange 3-1 in the evening in a CCS Tri-Match in Demorest Saturday.
Katie Hubbard tallied 21 kills for the day, including a team-high 14 against LaGrange to pace the Lions for the day.
HUGE comeback win for the Lions over LaGrange!
Hear from Katie Hubbard following her 14 kills in the 3-1 victory! pic.twitter.com/PwA3gNB3iJ
— Piedmont Lions (@PiedmontLions) October 5, 2024
Match One: Covenant 3, Piedmont 0
Despite losing in straight sets, the Lions challenged throughout the match against the Scots. Piedmont kept it close in the opening set in a 25-18 loss. The second set was a tough one for the Lions dropping it 25-10, but Piedmont bounced back in the third set falling 25-16.
Piedmont jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the opening set and held the lead 11-10 before the Scots jumped ahead. Covenant used a 9-2 run to lead 19-13 and hold control for the opening set.
In the second, Piedmont was out of rotation early and fell behind 6-1 quickly. The Scots raced out to a 16-6 lead and did not let up. In the final set, Piedmont fell behind 8-4 but pulled back within two to trail 16-14.
Match two: Piedmont 3, LaGrange 1
All four sets were competitive between the Lions and the Panthers, but Piedmont was able to close strong more often than not in the four-set win.
The first set saw the Lions reel off a 5-0 run trailing 19-18, highlighted by a pair of service aces from freshman Mary Brit Tallevast. Although LaGrange answered with two points of their own, it was too late as Piedmont finished off the set 25-21.
The second set was back-and-forth throughout, until Piedmont stunned the Panthers with a 5-0 run to take the set 25-20. Bryn Whitedelivered a pair of kills in the scoring run to lift the Lions over the top.
While LaGrange responded with a dominant start to the third set, Piedmont was able to rally to make it close before falling 25-22.
Piedmont fell behind early in the fourth set, but were undeterred. Despite trailing 20-13, Piedmont won six straight points to cut the deficit to 20-19. Although the Panthers won two straight in response to make it 22-19, the Lions fought back again, winning four in a row to close out the match in four sets.
The ending was punctuated by a kill from Tallevast to clinch the first home victory of the season for the Lions.
Comeback COMPLETE!
Piedmont wins in thrilling fashion 3-1 over LaGrange! pic.twitter.com/AQi7GVIP3z
— Piedmont Lions (@PiedmontLions) October 5, 2024
Up next, Piedmont will remain at home, hosting Agnes Scott this Wednesday, October 9 at 7 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
– Piedmont closed strong in each of the three sets it won against LaGrange to come out on top.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES VS. COVENANT:
—Katie Hubbard led Piedmont against Covenant with seven kills.
—Natalie Adams-Mullis posted 19 digs against the Scots while Mary Brit Tallevast added 18.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES vs. LaGrange:
– Katie Hubbard led the Lions with 14 kills.
– Mary Brit Tallevast tallied eight kills, 13 digs and a team-high four service aces.
– Freshman Natalie Adams-Mullis paced the team with 23 digs against the Panthers.
