Union Volleyball attempts end-of-season comeback

Volleyball
Lady Bulldogs Mallory Baker, Erin Hennesy and Abbey Wainwright rush towards the ball during a game against Trevecca Nazarene University Nov. 5 at the Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union won 3-2. | Photo by Anne Richoux

Union’s volleyball team lost two of its three home games early this month.

On Nov. 1, the Lady Bulldogs played University of West Alabama, losing 3-2 (25-27, 20-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-7). Union was leading 2-0, hoping to achieve its fourth straight home victory; however, West Alabama came back in the third set for the game win of 25-19.

In the fourth set, Union had a 12-6 lead but lost it 21-18 when West Alabama again rallied for victory.

West Alabama took the fifth and final set with a 15-7 win.

Union was led by middle hitter Kristin Cook with 14 kills followed by outside hitter Deja Moorer with 11 kills.

“It is always exciting being a team leader facing a tough team, but I couldn’t get any kills without a great pass and a great set, so my team is very supportive,” said sophomore nursing major Kristin Cook.

The Lady Bulldogs versed University of West Florida in a home match Nov. 2 in the Fred DeLay Gymnasium.

Union lost to the Argonauts 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 25-20). West Florida proved its high ranking of No. 21 in the first dominating play.

The second set was closer, with Union getting ahead by three points at one point. The Argonauts ended up winning the set, though.

In the third set, Union stayed closed and held a slim 17-16 lead late in the set, but West Florida put together a couple of 4-0 runs, eventually winning the third and final set.

Union was again led by middle hitter Kristin Cook with eight kills and setter Lydia Wright with 15 assists.

“Having three out of our last four games go to five sets definitely shows that our team is competing and fighting extremely hard,” said junior public relations major Lydia Wright.

On Nov. 5, Union played Trevecca Nazarene University, taking the match 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 29-27, 25-21, 15-13).

The game recorded a career-high 23 kills in the win for Union from junior outside hitter Abbey Wainwright.

The night was dedicated to recognizing Cancer Awareness Night, with pink as the theme.

The event honored those who are either survivors of breast cancer or those who have lost a battle to cancer.

Funds raised during the event will benefit families coping with the disease.

“Our honorary guest for the night was our coach’s sister, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, so it was great to surprise her in this way,” Cook said.

Union is now 8-18 overall on the season and 3-10 in the Gulf South Conference.