Liberty Volleyball Loses First Game of the Season

In a matchup that pitted two out of the three unbeaten teams in the ASUN conference, the Lady Flames women’s volleyball team fell short Oct. 1, losing to Jacksonville State 3-2 in a heated competition. 

The game was competitive from the jump, as both teams traded points early. Despite Liberty holding leads in both sets, Jacksonville State was able to win the first set (25-18) and the second set (25-23).

With their backs now against the wall, the Lady Flames started to pick up momentum. In the next two sets, Liberty dominated, winning 25-18 and 25-17. However, the comeback fell short as the Gamecocks closed out the final set, winning 15-10 and clinching the victory. 

Despite the loss, the Lady Flames had several positive takeaways from the match. For one, the team posted an incredible 17 blocks.

Junior middle blocker Lydia Burts contributed this to an emphasis on blocks in practice.

“We’ve been working on that all week and just trying to focus on those small plays to help our defense out,” Burts said. “I think we did an aggressive job just seeing what their offense was giving us and adjusting.”

Another bright spot for the Lady Flames was junior outside hitter Trinity Watts, who  finished with her first triple double. Despite her career night, Watts praised her teammates postgame.

“Kate Phillips had an incredible match… she’s a digging machine,” Watts said.  “Madison Blane, Lydia Burts… I think they’re the best middles at the conference. Delany Dilfer is one of the best centers in the country. We have all these little pieces coming together, and it elevates our game.”

Flames Nation, per usual, brought lots of energy and made its presence felt Saturday. 

“Their presence just gets me going, and then encourages me to pour back into my team as well,” Burts said.

Watts added that the fans are a part of the volleyball program just as much as the players are.

 “It’s nice to have a community that has your back,” Watts said. “Whether it’s a bad game or a great game, they’re always cheering.”

Head Coach Trevor Johnson has already put the Jacksonville State game behind him and his team. His plan includes getting a little bit better each day and focusing on the current task at hand. 

“The most important match is the next match,” Johnson said. “Win or lose, we have to get better the next day.”

The Lady Flames now travel to Louisville, Kentucky, taking on Bellarmine Oct. 7 in another conference matchup. The game will begin at 5 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

Garrett  is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion