DANVILLE, Ky. – The Centre volleyball team opened the 2022 season on a positive note as the Colonels rode a strong defense to a four-set victory over the Spalding Golden Eagles in Alumni Gym.
 
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- Centre got off to a hot start in the opening set, taking a 5-1 lead after consecutive Brooke Palmer aces. Spalding rallied to tie the score at 11-11 before the Colonels reeled off four straight points, with Isabel Thornton scoring two kills in the run. Another 5-0 run effectively put the set away as Emily Goddin put home the final kill on a 25-16 win.
- In the second set, the Golden Eagles used a 7-2 run midway through the frame to take the lead for good at 17-14, holding off a late Centre rally to tie the score with a 25-22 win.
- With the match tied at 1-1, Centre used an early 6-0 spurt to take a quick lead in the third set, with Madi Barron delivering two aces during the rally. The Colonels never relinquished that lead, fighting off a late charge by Spalding to win 25-21 and take a 2-1 lead in the match.
- The Colonels gradually built their lead midway through the fourth set, turning a close game into a runaway with an 8-1 run that featured aces by three different players. Centre led by as many as 12 points before cruising to a 25-15 win to take the match.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORES
- The Colonels' strong start carried throughout the first set as they hit .455 in the opening frame.
- Josie Grace-Mudd and Emily Goddin led a balanced Centre attack with nine kills each, followed by Isabel Thornton with seven.
- Emily Gardner and Meredith Phillips combined for 30 assists, with Gardner leading the way with 17.
- Gardner also led the Colonels with a game high 11 digs.
- Centre utilized 14 different players in the win.
 
NEXT UP
It will be a quick turnaround for Centre volleyball as they head to Denison to compete in the Big Red Classic this weekend. The first match will be against no. 23 Ohio Northern on Friday Night.