MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - In a tough SAA matchup against the Centre Colonels, the Vikings fell 3-2 in closely contested sets, receiving their first SAA loss of the year.

Lindsey MacDiarmid paced the Vikings with 15 kills, while Cypress Guenther and Keira Kruk provided strong support at the net. Kruk led the team with 21 digs and 12 kills - a double double, Lindsey MacDiarmid and Lura Underwood also posted double doubles on the day. Despite their tenacity, Berry couldn't withstand Centre's late surge, falling 15-11 in the decisive fifth set.

Berry came out swinging in the first set, with MacDiarmid and Kruk sparking the offense as a duo. The Vikings established a lead early on but faced resistance from Centre, who kept the score tight throughout. Berry's defense, anchored by timely blocks from leader Lily Teagle (7) who held firm in crucial moments, helping the Vikings secure a 25-22 win to open the match.

Centre responded in the second set, tightening up their defense and capitalizing on Berry's errors. Led by the attacking of Syd Bietz and Delia Long, Centre built a small cushion and fended off a late rally from Berry. Despite a series of clutch plays from MacDiarmid, Centre edged out a 25-23 win, leveling the match at one set apiece.

The third set was all Centre, as they jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Amery Galan and Bietz continued to trouble Berry's defense with powerful kills, while Centre's serving pressure forced Berry into uncharacteristic mistakes. The Vikings struggled to find their rhythm and dropped the set 25-22, putting them in a 2-1 hole.

Facing elimination in the fourth set, Berry showed resilience. Berry worked together to create a balanced attack, while the Vikings defense helped keep Centre's offense in check. Both teams traded points deep into the set, but Berry came out on top in the crucial moments, pulling off a dramatic 26-24 victory to force a fifth set. Madie Whitehead stepped in for the Vikings in the late set to create some crucial offensive power.

The final set was a tense affair, with both teams battling for every point. MacDiarmid and Kruk teamed up giving Berry a fighting chance with timely kills, but Centre capitalized on several key errors from the Vikings and went up 7-0 early to take the win after a late push back from Berry. 

The Vikings will return to action on the road at Rhodes and Hendrix this weekend for more SAA play.
 

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