Lincoln College Hosts ‘Dig Pink’ Night; Bests LCU in Straight Sets

[October 09, 2018] 

The Lincoln College Women’s Volleyball team played host to the Lincoln Christian University Red Lions on Thursday evening. This was the first regular season meeting between the two programs as co-members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). In this opening match between crosstown rivals, Lincoln College claimed a convincing victory in three sets.

The match was also a “Dig Pink” event in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

In the opening set, the Red Lions came out strong by winning the first four points. A kill down the line by LC left side hitter Mikayla Seibert (Mackinaw) stopped LCU’s early momentum and gave Lincoln College a much needed side out. From there, a 4 to 2 run of points by LC reduced their deficit to one point at 6-5. LC freshman setter Morgan Lolling then connected with fellow Lincoln High School grad Kaylyn Hoffert for three kills in a row to give LC their first lead at 8-6. Lolling would go on to lead Lincoln College in set assists for the match with 19.

“We got off to a rough start,” said Lincoln College Coach Mark Tippett. “But once we settled down and started making better decisions with the ball, our level of play increased quickly.”

Lincoln College would go on to extend their lead to as many as six points at 22-16 and eventually take set one 25-20.

The Lady Lynx kept the momentum on their side in set two as LC setter Emma Derry (Augustana) ran off three straight points to start the set which helped her team jump out to an 8-3 advantage. LC would then use strong defensive play and a consistent passing game to keep their opponents from mounting any sustained comeback attempts. The end result was a 25-19 set win for Lincoln College.

In set three, the Lady Lynx were in control from start to finish. LC built a 10-3 lead and extended their advantage to as many as ten points on the way to a 25-10 victory to end the match.

Junior Kaylyn Hoffert led all hitters with 12 kills on the night. Fellow juniors Mattie Giese (Highland Park), Mikayla Seibert and Elysa Smith (Metamora) were also active in the balanced LC offensive attack. Giese totaled seven kills, Seibert picked up six and Smith accounted for five kills and two blocks. Senior defensive specialist Melanie Murray (Chicago) led her team in digs with 14 while freshman DS Morgan Meyer (Batesville, IN) was close behind her with 12.

Coach Tippett was happy with his team’s performance and appreciative of the history that exists between LC and LCU. “I have been around long enough to remember some intense matches between our teams back when we used to play in the regular season,” said Tippett. “It is fun to see our rivalry renewed, and I look forward to continuing the great relationship we have had over the years.”

The win lifts The Lady Lynx’s record to 13-10 on the season. LC will be off for their Fall Break weekend and return to action next Thursday with a 6:30 home match against Blackburn College.

[Mark Tippett]\