Flames Women’s Volleyball Splits Weekend Series For 3-1 Win

The Liberty University Women’s Volleyball team split this weekend’s series with Middle Tennessee as it rallied for a 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-19 and 25-23) win Saturday afternoon. 

After suffering a tough loss to the hands of the Blue Raiders in three straight sets the night before, the Lady Flames battled back to defeat them in straight sets. 

The Flames fell to Middle Tennessee 25-21 in Saturday’s first set but came back strong in the second set. The set was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading points. 

“I know they challenged us, and they played amazing in the first set,” Head Coach Nolan Albrecht said postgame. “They hit .367, but we hit .294; we were right there.” 

Senior outside hitter Kate Gammer emerged as a standout player for Liberty and delivered an impressive 11 kills during the set, the most by a Liberty player in a single set. A strong MTSU offense fought back in an attempt to keep the score tight, but a crucial kill by senior middle blocker Madison Blane shifted the momentum in Liberty’s favor. In the end, Gammer sealed the deal with a set-clinching kill, leveling the match at 1-1. 

The Flames took control early on in the third set, building momentum with a series of strong plays to give them the lead. The Blue Raiders, however, quickly retaliated, delivering multiple kills to pull them ahead of the Flames. Liberty answered back as senior right-side hitter Elizabeth Helmich delivered a powerful kill that helped reignite the team’s momentum. 

“They were playing well, good defense — they were scrappy,” Gammer said. “We were like, we can either take the beating or we can punch back and swing hard.” 

The score was tied multiple times throughout the set, with both teams exchanging points through effective blocks and forced attack errors. Gammer and redshirt senior middle blocker Autumn Flowers came through with critical kills, allowing the Flames to regain the upper hand and build a lead. As the set progressed, Liberty’s defense became increasingly vital. In a critical moment, Gammer and Blane teamed up for a double block to secure the set with a 25-19 victory. 

In an intense fourth set, the Lady Flames found themselves trailing the Blue Raiders 22-20. 

MTSU’s strong offensive plays, including a kill from junior Adriana Rhoda, had them on the verge of extending the match to five sets. The game intensified as the score tightened and both teams exchanged points amid fierce rallies. 

Liberty’s Gammer and senior Erica Lowery kept the pressure on with timely kills, but MTSU responded with solid blocks. As the set continued, the Flames found themselves trailing 23-22. With the match hanging in the balance, Blane and Gammer stifled the Blue Raiders’ momentum with a crucial block. Energized by this play, the Flames surged back to score three consecutive points. A decisive kill from Blane after another crucial block ultimately sealed the set at 25-23, securing the match for Liberty.   

“I see a different look in our eyes in those times,” Albrecht said. “We’re working on sowing that seed of just because something is difficult doesn’t mean I can’t make it happen, or just because it’s a tough situation doesn’t mean I can’t pull through.” 

This victory broke Liberty’s three-match loss streak and also allowed Gammer to make Liberty Arena history with the most kills by a player. This feat came shortly after she hit the milestone of 1,000 kills. 

“It all goes back to the team,” Gammer said. “I mean, it’s always going to be a team thing, and it’s awesome having teammates in my corner that are so supportive and that get so fired up for my own success too.” 

Overall, Gammer finished the match with 26 kills, tying a program record for kills in a four-set match under the current 25-point rally-scoring system. 

After a week of practice, the Lady Flames will play four matches in six days, starting with New Mexico State Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. They will close out their contests against FIU Tuesday, Oct. 29 and Wednesday, Oct. 30.    

Pais is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *