Harrogate, TN -- The Lincoln Memorial women's volleyball team dropped a hard-fought five-set decision to Tusculum in both its home and South Atlantic Conference opener on Saturday. The Railsplitters fell behind early, dropping the first set 25-9, but rallied to secure the second set with an identical 25-9 margin. The Pioneers claimed the third set 25-18, before the Railsplitters sent the match to its fifth set with a 25-19 victory in the fourth set. Tusculum ultimately clinched the match with a 15-6 victory in the final frame. Overall, Lincoln Memorial matched its opponent with 48 total kills and registered eight blocks along with 43 assists and 81 digs throughout the contest.
Laney Inman led the offensive attack for the Railsplitters, registering a team-high 11 kills alongside Finley Sparks, while Kaytlin Johnson contributed ten kills of her own. On defense, Jazmine Starks anchored the net with a team-best seven blocks to help keep the Railsplitters competitive at the net. Lauren Pickett paced the squad with 22 assists and added 18 digs to complete an impressive double-double performance. Georgia Dobson served up three of the team's four service aces, while Jana Petkovic chipped in 11 assists to help orchestrate the offense. Lauren Jacob provided additional overall support across the back row and service line, finishing with 14 digs, eight assists, and one ace.
Lincoln Memorial will look to bounce back quickly as the Railsplitters remain at home to host Mars Hill on Tuesday.
