Trojans Throttle Patriots in Dominant Sweep

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. — Hannibal-LaGrange University volleyball delivered a dominant performance Saturday afternoon, sweeping Mission University in straight sets, 25-22, 25-12, 25-16, at the Southerland-Mabee Center.

The victory moves the Trojans to 8-12 overall and 5-3 in conference play, while Mission falls to 6-15 overall and 2-4 in conference action.

HLGU opened the match with a back-and-forth first set before taking control late. After Mission held an early advantage, the Trojans rallied to tie the set at 15-15 before building a 20-17 lead. Mission continued to battle, cutting the deficit to 23-21, but Hannibal-LaGrange closed out the set, 25-22.

The Trojans carried that momentum into the second set, turning an 8-8 tie into a commanding advantage. HLGU used a 13-2 run to take a 21-10 lead and never looked back. The Trojans finished the set on a 6-0 run to claim a 25-12 victory and take a 2-0 match lead.

HLGU continued its strong play in the third set. The Trojans jumped out to an 8-3 advantage before Mission battled back to tie the set at 8-8. Hannibal-LaGrange responded with a decisive 8-0 run, taking a 16-8 lead and putting the match firmly in its control. The Trojans continued to extend their advantage before closing out the sweep, 25-16.

Summer Zelei and Jade Clay led the Trojans offensively with 11 kills apiece. Zelei hit .194 while also recording two service aces, while Clay hit an impressive .333 and added two solo blocks and a block assist.

Delaney Eggemeyer turned in a standout all-around performance, finishing with nine kills on 12 attacks for a .667 hitting percentage. She also recorded a team-high 32 assists, one service ace and five digs.

Brooke Rocca added six kills, two service aces and a block assist, while Emma Dixon contributed five kills while hitting .444. Sophia Wallace added three kills, and Jenna Jobb finished with 16 digs to lead the Trojans defensively.

As a team, Hannibal-LaGrange recorded 45 kills on 101 attacks for a .277 hitting percentage, while holding Mission to a .098 team hitting percentage. The Trojans also finished with 34 assists, eight service aces, 47 digs and four total blocks.

HLGU returns to action with momentum from its straight-set victory as the Trojans continue conference play.