November 5, 2024

Carson-Newman Prepares for Rematch with Mars Hill

Carson-Newman plays its penultimate regular season home match against Mars Hill in a rare Wednesday night meeting.

Mars Hill

13-8, 10-4 SAC

Carson-Newman

15-7, 11-3 SAC

Final	1	2	3	4	T
Mars Hill 13-8, 10-4 SAC	25	18	25	25	3
Carson-Newman 15-7, 11-3 SAC	17	25	19	23	1

MATCH NOTES

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman plays its penultimate regular season home match against Mars Hill in a rare Wednesday night meeting.

Mars Hill (12-8, 9-4) has been on a roll since resuming its season following a temporary shutdown during recovery from Hurricane Helene. The Lions only fell to Carson-Newman (16-6, 12-2 SAC) in Mars Hill on Oct. 7 and Anderson on the road on Oct. 12. Following those losses, the Lions have won seven straight matches, including a win over Anderson.

Kaitlyn Grant and Ioana Poenaru lead the Lions in kills, each with over 150 and over two per set. Mars Hill uses a two-setter look, with Mackenzie Schmucker and Alyssa Kornegay leading in assists.

Defensively, Laela Jimenez wears the libero jersey with over 400 digs on the season for 6.15 per set. Middle blocker Nikkayla Stewart was named the SAC Defensive Player of the Week with 13 blocks last week.

Carson-Newman won its last meeting with the Lions in early October. Emerson Ahsmuhs led with 11 kills, and Blair Cherry found a double-double with 33 assists and 11 digs.

Carson-Newman volleyball has already surpassed its win total from last season of 14 after an upset win over the top-ranked team in the SAC, Lenoir-Rhyne, in straight sets to tie last season's total before surpassing it in a four-set road win at UVA Wise.

Freshman outside Emerson Ahsmuhs has impressed the past week, setting new career-highs in hitting percentage in back-to-back matches against Newberry and Lenoir-Rhyne, hitting over .400 on the week with over four kills per set en route to being named the SAC's Offensive Player of the Week.

Senior utility player Blake Cherry is 12 digs away from 1,000 in her career. Her younger sister, Blair, surpassed Allyson Cohrn for seventh all-time in program career assists with her performance against Emory & Henry.

Libero Bennett McCombs put together a Defensive Player of the Week caliber performance against E&H with over 20 digs in just three sets.

Carson-Newman is tied for second in the South Atlantic Conference standings with Lenoir-Rhyne but holds the tiebreaker over the Bears. Meanwhile, Mars Hill's hot streak has given it the fourth spot in the standings, as the Lions are currently in a position to host a match in the SAC Tournament.

First serve is set for 6:00 p.m. from Holt Fieldhouse. Those planning on attending must pay $5 at the door unless you are a Carson-Newman student, faculty member, or under 18. Those not making the trip to Mossy Creek can watch the match with a subscription via FloSports or follow along for free @CN_Eagles on X.

To keep up to date with Carson-Newman volleyball, follow us on social media @CN_Eagles on X and Instagram or Facebook at Carson-Newman Athletics.