MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Berry College Vikings volleyball team continued its strong season Saturday morning, earning a 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-17, 25-15) over the Millsaps Majors at Mallory Gymnasium to improve to 20-4 overall and 12-2 in Southern Athletic Association play.
The Vikings opened the match with a strong offensive performance in the first set, taking an early 5-2 advantage behind kills from
Rosemary Boylston,
Madie Whitehead and
Keira Kruk. Millsaps continued to battle, keeping the set close throughout the opening points. Berry began to create separation behind kills from Kruk and Whitehead, with a block from
Shelby Harris and
Cali Armstead helping extend the lead. Kruk added a service ace before Whitehead and Harris recorded consecutive kills to give the Vikings a 17-11 advantage. Berry continued to maintain its lead late in the set, with kills from
Rosemary Boylston and
Madie Whitehead helping the Vikings reach set point. Millsaps made a late push, but Berry closed out the opening set 25-22 to take a 1-0 match lead.
The second set saw Berry face an early challenge as the Vikings fell behind 5-2. Berry quickly responded with kills from Kruk and Whitehead before Boylston helped spark the offense with a service ace and another kill to pull the Vikings even. Berry continued to find its rhythm offensively, with Whitehead recording consecutive kills and Armstead contributing at the net. The Vikings used a strong stretch of play to build a 7-5 advantage before continuing to trade points with the Majors. Harris added a kill to help Berry regain momentum, while Kruk and Whitehead continued to provide offensive production. After the set remained close through the middle portion, Berry began to pull away with a strong late run. Whitehead added a service ace, while Kruk, Harris and Armstead contributed key kills to help the Vikings build separation. Berry finished the set with a 25-17 victory to take a 2-0 match lead.
Berry carried its momentum into the third set, quickly responding after an early 3-2 deficit. The Vikings used kills from Whitehead, Harris and Kruk to establish control, while Boylston continued to make an impact offensively. Berry put together a strong stretch of play to build an 8-3 advantage, highlighted by kills from Whitehead and Armstead. The Vikings continued to extend their lead as Kruk and Harris connected for additional kills, while Berry's defense made it difficult for Millsaps to find an offensive rhythm.
Andrea Hurt then provided a spark from the service line, recording back-to-back service aces to help Berry extend its advantage to 14-7. The Vikings continued to apply pressure with kills from Whitehead, Harris and Kruk, eventually building a 21-11 lead. Berry remained in control down the stretch, with Armstead and Harris contributing at the net before Kruk helped put the Vikings at match point. Berry closed out the set 25-15 to complete the 3-0 sweep.
Kruk led the Vikings offensively with 14 kills and 10 digs, recording a double-double. Whitehead followed with 10 kills and a .304 hitting percentage, while Harris contributed eight kills and a .292 hitting percentage. Boylston added four kills and two service aces, while Armstead finished with three kills and a team-high four total blocks. Brovet directed the Berry offense with 34 assists and added nine digs. Hurt led the defensive effort with 13 digs and contributed two service aces. Kruk also added a service ace and two total blocks.
The Vikings finished the match with 41 kills and a .278 hitting percentage while recording seven service aces, 40 assists and six total blocks. Berry's balanced offensive attack and strong defensive performance helped the Vikings secure their 20th victory of the season and complete the sweep.
With the victory, Berry improves to 20-4 overall and 12-2 in SAA play as the Vikings continue their conference schedule tomorrow, November 1 at 2:30 p.m. against Rhodes College to wrap up their SAA play.
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