By: Isabel Smith ~Guest Writer~

Following a tough loss to the Dayton Flyers on Sept. 16, the Xavier women’s volleyball team concluded non-conference action.

The Musketeers played the Lipscomb Bison on Sept. 19 at Cintas Center. The team defeated the Bison in four sets with a season-high 20 blocks.

The Musketeers’ win keeps Xavier in the lead of the all-time series with Lipscomb, 3-1.
The last meeting of the two schools was Nov. 26, 2011.

Senior Alex Blair put up 11 blocks, surpassing the school’s previous single-match record and contributing to the match’s 20 blocks.

The team’s impressive defensive effort paired well with a striking offensive performance.
Lipscomb began the match strong with an 11-4 lead and its greatest lead of the set, but Xavier returned by taking its first advantage at 15-14.

The teams continued the battle, resulting in Lipscomb eventually taking the win in the first set 25-23.

Xavier came back to win the second set, 25-18. Blair put up five blocks to contribute to the set-high eight blocks. The Musketeers began set three with a notable 9-1 run that left the Bison in the dust.

Xavier won the third set 25-12, leading into set four where the Muskies took the win, 25-19.
Redshirt sophomore Sofia Peterson had a match-high .800 hitting percentage and Abbey Bessler had a match-high 15 kills.

The Musketeers returned to action Sept. 20 against No. 15 Kentucky at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Ky.

The Musketeers played a four-set loss, dropping to 7-5 on the season. The initial set found neither team leading by more than two points, but the Wildcats eventually won the set 26-24.

Xavier held the lead 12-11 in set two before Kentucky took over the lead and won the set 25-20.
In set three, the Muskies held a late advantage 22-21, but the Wildcats used three Xavier miscues to capture the set, 25-18. Kentucky won the final set, 25-18.

Senior Aubree Smith had an impressive 31 assists, eight kills and nine digs in the match against Kentucky.

The tough competition gave the Musketeers good experience as they prepare for the upcoming conference schedule.

The team plays Sept. 26 at Georgetown for its Big East opener.