Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
12-7 (2-3,OVC)
UT Martin
8-13 (2-3,OVC)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Martin | 20 | 25 | 17 | 21 | 1 |
| Murray State | 25 | 16 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Schmahl Returns, Leads MSU to Win
10/11/2013 8:08:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
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Murray State women's volleyball put a stop to their season-high three game losing streak in grand fashion. The Racers (12-7, 2-3 OVC) battled UT Martin at Racer arena and came away with a 3-1 victory (25-20, 16-25, 25-17, 25-21).
The Racers received a boost to their lineup with the return of sophomore outside hitter, Emily Schmahl. Schmahl had missed MSU's last seven lineups, but returned just in time. Not only was the squad in need of her services, but it was also her birthday. "Getting Emily back was a huge plus for us, said Coach Schwepker. Having her in our lineup makes us so much deeper. I know it was a goal of hers to get healthy before her birthday, so not only did she give herself a birthday gift, but she gave the whole team one." Schmahl tied teammate Alyssa Lelm with a match-high 14 kills.
Schmahl's impact was felt right away in the first set. The sophomore contributed five kills in the stanza, leading the Racers to a 25-21 win. Murray State controlled the set early, going up 12-8. But that lead was quickly trimmed to one, 16-15. Though the set saw six ties and was a tight battle throughout, the Racers never trailed as they were able to put some distance between the Skyhawks. Schmahl landed three of her five kills down the stretch, sending her team to victory.
Murray State carried their momentum into the beginning of set No. 2, but the Skyhawks were able to weather the storm and eventually take the lead. After the Racers climbed out to their largest lead, 11-8, UT Martin went on a 6-0 run to claim a 14-11 advantage. MSU couldn't fight back as the Skyhawks scored nine of the final 11 points, on their way to a 25-16 win.
The third set was another Murray State led from start to finish. Holding just a two point advantage, 15-13, MSU scored the next six points and extended their lead to eight, 21-13. From there it was smooth sailing as MSU cruised to a 25-17 win. Lelm paced the Racers with seven kills in the set.
UT Martin took an early lead in a back and forth fourth set, three times holding four point leads. Trailing 15-11, Murray State made their comeback with contributions from everyone. The Racers ended the set on a 14-6 run and received two kills apiece from Lelm, Sam Bedard and Scottie Ingram and two service aces from Ellie Lorenz.
Following the match, Schwepker applauded his team for getting a much needed and deserved win. "We played a great game. It was something we really needed. Everyone played well and stepped up to get us a big win."
In addition to her 14 kills, Lelm connected at a .423 attack percentage. Bedard and Taylor Olden both picked up double-doubles. Bedard finished with a game-high 44 assists and also picked up 14 digs while Olden landed 13 kills and dug-out 11 attacks. Ingram and Katlyn Hudson tied for a game-high 22 digs. The Racers outdug the Skyhawks 81-56.
Madison Wessling led UT Martin with 10 kills. Julia Devinney and Amanda Crask followed her with eight each. Crask also finished with a team-high 33 assists.
Murray State wraps up its three-game homestand tomorrow afternoon against Southeast Missouri. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.Â
