The Covenant volleyball team hit an unlucky streak on the road over the course of the past two weeks. Their competition has included several nationally-ranked opponents, and though the Scots hold a talented roster, things are yet to have clicked for the team. First-year head coach, Stephanie Wharton, is testing out several lineups and combinations which are bound to find a groove here soon.
 
Hopefully the Scots can come together to pull off a win this coming Tuesday at home as they prepare to face last year's rival, Berea. Berea was ranked in the pre-season poll in favor over the Scots, though Covenant came out victorious in every match-up against the Mountaineers in the 2021 season. 
 
In 2021, the Scots defeated Berea in four to advance to the semi-finals in post-season play. This year, the Mountaineers are looking to take away more than just a few sets off the Scots, but to come away this Tuesday with a win. 
 
As Covenant Volleyball has had to travel for their past nine games, the squad is ready to be back on their home court in Barnes. Thus far, the Scots have faced some of the most challenging teams that they will see all season. With this level of play so early on in the year as preparation, they are looking to seal a victory over their conference foe. This is the first conference match for either team, as conference play opens up this week for the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS).
 
In Case You Missed It
 
Notable Stats 
 
At the Berry National Invitational, the Scots faced Averett, Oglethorpe, Ohio Northern, and Berry on their home turf. All resulted in a loss for the Scots; the Scots taking a set off of previously nationally-ranked ONU. In addition, Berry is now ranked 12th in the nation.
 
Against Averett, Emma Kalbfleisch led in kills. Outside Kelsey Carman led the team in both aces (4) and blocks (3). Rachel Bartlett snagged 20 assists. Defensively, Anissa Snyder saved nine attacks to give the Scots another chance to score. 
 
In the match against Oglethorpe, Kyla Bailey notched 10 kills. Rachel Bartlett had 26 assists, and Anissa Snyder led defensively once again with 11 digs and two aces. Kalbfleisch came away from the match with two blocks.
 
Rachel Bartlett grabbed 28 assists in the Scots' third game of the weekend, while Emma Kalbleisch was on top for attacks. The middle blocker gave her team 10 kills and three blocks offensively in the four-set match against ONU. Kelsey Carman was close to follow with nine kills. Anna Baldwin added 14 digs defensively.
 
No. 12 Berry held the Scots from reaching double-digits statistically. Though the Vikings attempted to shut the Scots down offensively, Grace Logterman fired up to give her team four blocks while also leading in kills. Anna Baldwin led in both aces and digs, while Freshmen Anna Snook led the team in assists.
 
The following Wednesday, the Scots lost an absolute heart-breaker against the Sewanee Tigers in a reverse sweep. Up two sets, the Scots began to slip and could not hold on to the lead. The Tigers got hot in set three and took the remainder of the sets in order to defeat Covenant 3-2. Grace Logterman hosted a block party, shutting down the Tigers seven times. Summer Northcutt (Johnson) added four blocks and Emma Kalbfleisch added three. Kalbfleisch led the team offensively with 14 kills, and Kyla Bailey chipped in 11 kills as well. Anna Baldwin was on fire defensively, notching a personal-best of 33 digs. 
 
This past weekend, the Scots fell to Marietta and Transylvania, both in three. Kalbfleisch continued to lead her team in kills. Anissa Snyder and Anna Baldwin took turns in the libero jersey; Snyder leading defensively in game one, Baldwin leading defensively in game two.
 
Looking Ahead
 
Come out and support your Scots this Tuesday, September 20th, when Covenant Volleyball is finally able to play on their home court once again after an away-heavy schedule. 
 
After Berea on Tuesday, the next home game will be October 1st in a tri-match against Lagrange and Piedmont.
 
CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS
Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information.