In the program's first playoff match since 2013, Morehead State volleyball fell on the wrong side of the decision, dropping its National Invitational Volleyball Championship first-round matchup to High Point. The Panthers (21-12) defeated the Eagles (23-10) in the four-set match by scores of 23-25, 25-16, 21-25, and 21-25.
Leading Morehead State's backline against High Point, sophomore libero Allison Whitten equaled her career-high, tallying 26 of Morehead State's 64 digs in the match. With her career-high-tying digs total, she surpassed 500 digs on the year, becoming the seventh player in program history to scoop up 500 or more balls in a season. Whitten's 514 digs season also marks the 15th 500-plus dig season in Morehead State history.
Elsewhere defensively, freshman setter Bridget Bessler joined Whitten in double-figures, digging up 10 balls. She paired her 10 digs with 37 assists to total her 10th double-double of the season.
Offensively, Morehead State recorded 45 total kills as junior outside hitters Olivia Lohmeier and Lauren Rokey combined for 24 of the team's total kills. The duo recorded 12 kills apiece, tying for the second-highest total in the match.
Behind Lohmeier and Rokey on the scoresheet, sophomore middle blocker Hannah Keating finished with seven kills while redshirt junior right-side hitter Liz Allen added five and sophomore middle blocker Mia Swearingen chipped in four. Senior middle blocker Karlee Reynolds (three) and freshman right-side hitter Abby Hulsman (two) rounded out the scoring for the Eagles.
Saturday's decision concludes another successful season for Morehead State volleyball, a season that saw the program return to the Ohio Valley Conference Volleyball Championship Match and the postseason for the first time since 2013. The season also saw the Eagles add three members to its 1,000 clubs as Bessler (assists), Lohmeier (kills), and redshirt senior Danielle McCarson (digs) each joined a 1,000 club.
The 2019 season also saw a pair of players-Lohmeier and Whitten-surpass 500 kills and digs, respectively. The seasons mark the first since 2012 and 2013, respectively.
