Union defeats KCU in 10th annual Cheyenne Wise Childhood Cancer Awareness Game

Barbourville, Ky. – The Union College volleyball program hosted the 10th annual Cheyenne Wise Childhood Cancer Awareness game on Tuesday night. Cheyenne, the daughter of head Union volleyball coach Jeremy Wise, lost her battle with cancer at three months old.

Union wore jerseys that recognized Cheyenne and childhood cancer awareness. Donations were accepted near the main entrance of the arena.

"Obviously, tonight was about a bigger picture for us as a team and we wanted to play for our teammates and those who don't have the opportunity," Union head coach Jeremy Wise said.

The Bulldogs got out to a quick start with a 19-6 lead in the first set, which Union won 25-11. In the second set, the score was tied 10-10 when Union went on an 8-3 run that began with a kill by Raquel Kessler. The Bulldogs won the second set 25-17.

In the third set, Union led 12-11 before going on an 12-2 run that featured seven kills. The game ended with a kill by Union's Maddie Tackett that gave the Bulldogs a 25-15 win in the third set. Union won 3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-15.)

Prior to the varsity game, the Bulldogs' JV team also defeated KCU.

"We had our first JV match tonight, which made it a doubleheader," Wise said. "They set the tone for the night with a focused match. When we eliminate our unforced errors; we play at a much higher level. Hopefully that continues as the season progresses."

The Bulldogs are now 2-9 (2-1 AAC) this season, while Kentucky Christian is 1-8 (1-2 AAC). Up next for Union is a matchup at Columbia International on Friday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m.