BRIDGEWATER, Va. – The EMU volleyball team wrapped up its weekend at the Route 42 Classic on Bridgewater on Saturday. The Royals picked a doubleheader split, taking the first match, 3-0, from Salem before dropping an 0-3 match to host Bridgewater.

Highlights – Match vs Salem 

• Salem jumped out to an early 7-4 lead before EMU reeled off five straight points, led by three kills from Heather Phelps. With EMU leading 17-12, Salem mounted a comeback to pull within one at 17-16 before the Royals ended the first set on an 8-1 run to pick up the win.
• Neither team could seem to pull any momentum in the second period, as there were 15 ties. But with the score tied at 28, back-to-back kills by Sarah East and Phelps gave EMU the 30-28 win.
• The Spirits pulled ahead early in the final set, and let late 16-13 and 17-15 before the Royals went on a 8-2 run to pull ahead for good. A kill by Gabrielle Leeper gave EMU the 25-22 third-set win and their first win of the season.
• Paris Hutchinson led the Royals with 13 kills while Phelps finished with 11.
• Megan Miller was an assist machine again, finishing with 37.
• Abby Kaufmans was strong on the defensive side of the ball, finishing with 18 digs. 

By the Numbers 

• .119 – EMU held the Spirits to a .119 hitting percentage and forced 18 errors.
• 11 – The Royals had more kills (42) than Salem (31) en route to the win.  

Highlights – Match vs Bridgewater 

• EMU jumped on the Eagles early and led 9-8 midway through set one. The two teams traded the lead until, with Bridgewater leading by one at 19-18, went on a 6-2 run to close out the set and take a 1-0 lead.
• The Eagles led from start to finish in the second set, as EMU could only pull within two at 8-10. Ultimately, however, it was Bridgewater who took the second frame 25-18.
• Both teams swapped points to start the third and runs from each saw Bridgewater lead 10-9. After a short BC lead, EMU went on a run of their own to take a 15-14 lead before the Eagle finished the set on an 11-7 run to finish the sweep.
• Lizzy Kirkton once again paced the offense with 13 kills, the only Royal in double digits. Miller picked up her first double-double of 2021, ending with 26 assists and 11 digs. Kaufman had 19 digs. 

By the Numbers 

• 6 – Six different Royals had kills on the day.
• 3 – This is the third straight match Phelps has registered at least one block. 

What's Next

EMU will be back on the court on Tuesday as they head to Mary Washington for a mid-week matchup. First serve is scheduled for 7 PM.

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