Volleyball had a busy, yet successful weekend with two clean sweeps against Atlantic Sun Conference teams Austin Peay and Lipscomb. Sunday marked the first time since 2021 the Lions defeated the Bisons.
This was just the beginning of what they achieved. Sophomore Kinslee McGowan earned the ASUN Setter of the Week title for the third time this season.
Head Coach Tristan Johnson noted this accomplishment was not a surprise to him.
“Kinsley McGowan is just continuing to be the player that I thought she would be,” Johnson said. “She’s leaned a lot more into being a leader and really dedicating herself to what it takes to be her best.”
Outside hitter Reese Ricketts was named player of the week for the second time in her career with 27 kills and 11 digs over the weekend. She noted that constant communication was the biggest key to earning the win Sunday.
“Even when we were tied, it never felt claustrophobic back there,” Ricketts said. “I fully trusted everyone and I think that was huge.”
Libero Lankford Gurner also set a new Division I era record with six aces. She also had an assist and 12 digs.
The Lions started the first set with a 6-0 run and carried that momentum to a 25-19 win. The second set was the tightest of the match with 16 ties and seven lead changes. Tied at 22, UNA scored three straight points, finishing with kills from McGowan and Ricketts to take the set 25-22. They controlled the third set with strong serving and steady offense with another 6-0 run before finishing the sweep with a 25-20 victory.
Johnson credited the team’s preparation and mentality for the outcome.
“The girls are the ones that are doing the work and showing up every day with the right mindset,” Johnson said. “Hopefully it just gives them more and more confidence that we belong”.
The rest of the season will feature more conference matchups for the Lions.
