The Bulldogs defeat Reinhardt in three sets

Barbourville, Ky. – The Union volleyball team picked up an impressive 3-0 victory on Friday night against Reinhardt. It marks the Bulldogs' second straight home win as Union is 6-1 in home games this season.

Union trailed 7-3 in the opening set, but the Bulldogs went on a 6-0 run to take a 9-7 lead in the set. The Bulldogs never trailed throughout the remainder of the set, and went on to win the set 25-21.

The Bulldogs began the second set with a 9-1 run en route to a 25-16 win in the set. Trailing 13-10 in the third set, a kill by Union's Nicole Almestica sparked a 7-0 run for the Bulldogs. Union won the third set 25-21 with the final point occurring via a service error by Reinhardt.

Raquel Kessler led Union in kills with 14 of the Bulldogs' 23. Maddy McGaughey and Nicole Almestica combined to tally a team-leading six digs, while McGaughey led the team in assists with 11.

Kessler registered three solo blocks, which led the team. Lauren Horn recorded two solo blocks, while Michaela Cox tallied one.

"Tonight, we came out focused to run a good game plan versus a great team," Union head coach Jeremy Wise said. "We were able to execute our plans and stay focused; and we pushed each other to stay on our game all night. Hopefully, taking that next step forward helps us finish the season with all the heart they showed tonight."

The Bulldogs are now 8-14 (8-6 AAC) this season, while Reinhardt is 16-5 (9-4 ACC). Union hosts Truett McConnell on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 11:00 a.m.