Forth Smith, Arkansas – The No. 2 seed Newman volleyball team won (3-1) their semifinal match in the Heartland Conference Tournament against No. 3 seed Lubbock Christian tonight (Nov. 20). With the win, NU moved to 26-8 on the season.
The Lady Jets took the first set in a thrilling 25-23 victory. In the second set the Lady Jets prevailed in a tough 27-25 contest. In the third set however, Lubbock Christian took advantage and won the set 25-17. In the fourth and final set, NU outlasted Lubbock Christian and took the set 25-23 to win the match.
As a team the Jets had 58 kills, 2 aces, 9 blocks, 54 assists and 89 digs. On the night LCU, had 50 kills, 5 aces, 4 blocks, 47 assists and 81 digs as a team. Overall on the night LCU had a better hitting percentage at .174 percent compared to NU's .161 percent.
Newman was led by
Ashley Gonzalez in kills with 20 (match high),
Emily Harvey was in second with 18 and
Kayla Turner in third with 7.
Ashley Gonzalez led the way on the defensive end as well having a match high 7 blocks.
Kayla Turner and
Yemima Buana added 2 blocks on the night as well.
Alexus Litts continued her ways as the Jets assist leader with a match high 48. Newman was led by
Anna Burton in digs with 21 and
Jarin Braithwait helped out as well with 20.
Lubbock's team leaders were Kacey Deterding in kills (13), Emily Hanaway in blocks (2), Mallory Powell in assists (43) and Kelsie French in digs (26).
The No. 2 seed Lady Jets aim to take the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship tomorrow (Nov. 21) at 1 p.m. against No. 1 seed Arkansas Fort Smith in Fort Smith, Arkansas. There will be live video and stats, provided by the Arkansas Fort Smith Athletic Department.
