Trojans Fall to Evangel in Three-Set Match

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Evangel University defeated Hannibal-LaGrange University in straight sets Tuesday night, earning a 25-20, 25-23, 25-20 victory. With the win, Evangel improved to 12-9 on the season, while Hannibal-LaGrange fell to 5-13.

Evangel came out strong in the opening set after Hannibal-LaGrange grabbed an early 1-0 lead. The Valor responded with a 7-3 run to take control early. The Trojans battled back and eventually tied the set at 16-16, but Evangel regained control down the stretch.

Evangel capitalized on several Hannibal-LaGrange attack errors and blocks before closing out the opening set, 25-20.

The second set proved to be a more competitive battle. The two teams traded leads throughout the frame, with the score tied multiple times. Hannibal-LaGrange built a 14-10 advantage before Evangel began to chip away at the deficit.

Brooklyn Claxton helped spark the Valor comeback with a service ace that evened the score at 15-15. The teams continued to exchange points before Evangel pulled ahead late. With the score at 24-23, Claxton delivered another key point as Evangel secured the set, 25-23.

Evangel carried its momentum into the third set after Hannibal-LaGrange held an early advantage. The Valor tied the set at 3-3 before building a 16-11 lead.

The Trojans responded by cutting the deficit to 16-14, but Evangel answered with a strong serving stretch from Jersie Spears. Spears recorded back-to-back service aces as the Valor extended their advantage to 20-14.

Evangel maintained control from there, closing out the third set 25-20 to complete the sweep.

The Valor finished the match with 30 kills, 29 digs, nine service aces and 18 total blocks. Jessica Pritchett led Evangel with 12 assists and added five kills, while Cienna Turner and Charlotte Hawkins each recorded six kills. Hawkins also hit .455 for the match.

Abby Ferguson contributed five kills and five block assists, while Addison Jones recorded eight digs.

Hannibal-LaGrange was led offensively by Sophia Wallace with seven kills, followed by Summer Zelei with six. Delaney Eggemeyer recorded 20 assists, while Jillian Millirons and Mary O'Rand each finished with seven digs for the Trojans.

With the three-set victory, Evangel completed the sweep behind strong blocking, timely serving and key offensive plays late in each set.