Memphis Sweeps Kingston in Three Sets Despite Tight Second-Set Battle

Cardinals push Memphis to the wire in Set 2, but fall 25-14, 25-23, 25-13

KINGSTON — The Kingston varsity volleyball team put together its strongest push of the night in the second set Monday, Sept. 22, but Memphis ultimately came away with a 3-0 victory.

Memphis established control early, taking the opening set 25-14. Kingston responded with a much stronger performance in the second, battling point-for-point and putting itself in position to even the match.

The Cardinals stayed within striking distance down the stretch, but Memphis was able to secure the final points and escape with a narrow 25-23 victory.

With a two-set advantage, Memphis regained control in the third. The Yellowjackets closed out the match with a 25-13 victory to complete the sweep.

Despite the loss, Kingston received contributions throughout its lineup, particularly at the net.

Ellie Bostian led the Cardinals offensively with five kills, while Peyton Michalski, Brianna Rayl and Ella Machota each recorded four kills. Ella Koehler helped direct the Kingston attack with a team-high 10 assists while adding a kill, an ace and three digs.

Defensively, Josie Binder led Kingston with nine digs and also recorded two aces. Rayl contributed six digs, while Molly Landrum added four.

Kingston also produced seven aces as a team, led by Binder and Olivia Sherrod with two apiece.

Key Takeaways

Kingston's best push came in Set 2: After dropping the opener by 11 points, the Cardinals responded with their most competitive stretch of the match. Kingston pushed Memphis to 25-23 and came within two points of evening the match.

Balanced attack at the net: Kingston didn't have to rely on one hitter. Bostian led the way with five kills, while Michalski, Rayl and Machota each finished with four. Those four combined for 17 kills.

Koehler directs the offense: Koehler accounted for 10 of Kingston's 14 recorded assists while also contributing a kill, an ace and three digs.

Binder anchors the back row: Binder's nine digs were a team high, and she also tied Sherrod for the team lead with two aces.

Memphis finishes when it matters: Kingston made the second set a battle, but Memphis was able to secure the crucial late points before carrying that momentum into a decisive third set.