BATESVILLE, AR. – The Lyon College Scots volleyball team earned a dominant three-set victory over the Principia College Panthers on Senior Night, winning by scores of 25-14, 25-12 and 25-8. Lyon controlled the match offensively, recording 39 kills while hitting .373 as a team. The Scots limited Principia to nine kills and a -.094 hitting percentage, using a balanced attack and strong defensive play to secure the sweep. With the victory, Lyon improved to 6-17 overall and 1-8 in St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) play.
Seniors Ryan Russell, Olivia Locke, Keeley Beary, Zoey Craig, and Reyleigh Twist were honored tonight for the contributions to the College volleyball program.
Set One: Lyon 25, Principia 14
The Scots opened the match in a competitive first set, with both teams trading points early. Lyon eventually found its rhythm at the net, using kills from Keeley Beary, Ryan Russell and Pascha Wistrand to build momentum. The set featured five ties and four lead changes before the Scots pulled away.
Lyon's offense produced 14 kills on 27 attacks, hitting .370 in the opening frame. Beary helped lead the charge with several successful attacks, while Ella Gardner distributed the ball effectively, finishing the match with 27 assists. The Scots' efficiency proved decisive as they closed out the set, 25-14, to take an early lead.
Set Two: Lyon 25, Principia 12
Lyon continued to build its advantage in the second set, tightening its defensive effort and limiting the Panthers' offensive opportunities. The Scots held Principia to just one kill in the frame while forcing six attack errors, resulting in a -.227 hitting percentage for the Panthers.
Beary continued to provide a steady presence offensively, while Wistrand and Russell contributed important kills to keep Lyon in control. The Scots recorded nine kills of their own and maintained pressure throughout the set. After the teams exchanged points early, Lyon separated itself and secured a 25-12 win to move within one set of the sweep.
Set Three: Lyon 25, Principia 8
The Scots delivered their most dominant performance in the final set, hitting .667 with 16 kills and just two errors on 21 attacks. Lyon's offense found success from multiple positions, while the defense continued to disrupt Principia's attack.
Nevaeh Ghan contributed six kills on 12 attempts, while Wistrand added five kills without committing an error. Beary also continued her strong performance at the net, and Reyleigh Twist finished with three kills on four attacks. Lyon's efficient attack and defensive pressure allowed the Scots to pull away for a 25-8 victory, completing the straight-set sweep.
Beary led Lyon with nine kills on 17 attacks, hitting .353, and added two service aces. Russell finished with five kills while hitting .333, and Wistrand recorded five kills on nine attempts for a .444 hitting percentage. Ghan contributed six kills at a .417 clip, while Gardner paced the offense with 27 assists and added six digs.
Olivia Locke anchored the defensive effort with a match-high 12 digs and contributed a service ace. As a team, Lyon finished with 39 kills, six service aces and 36 digs while holding Principia to 20 digs and a -.094 hitting percentage.
Scots will travel to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to face the Williams Baptist College Eagles in their final non-conference game of the year next Tuesday, October 27th at 6:00 PM.
