KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Ole Miss volleyball program was unable to overcome the No. 10 Tennessee Lady Volunteers, falling, 3-0, on Friday night at the Food City Center.
The Rebels (8-7, 2-2 SEC) were paced by Shayla Meyer, who tallied eight kills and five digs on .375 hitting. Cameron Bradley added 11 digs against a Lady Volunteers (11-3, 2-2 SEC) offense that was paced by 14 kills from Kennedi Rogers.
The hosts came out of the gate with energy, building a quick 7-2 lead and forcing a Rebel timeout. Despite some momentum out of the timeout, as Keirstyn Carlton picked up a kill and Jorda Crook and Nina Moorer combined on a block, the Rebels struggled to make inroads on the Lady Vols defense. Despite a big Lady Vols lead, the Rebels rallied behind a kill and solo block from Moorer to force Tennessee into a timeout, up 17-11. However, the Lady Vols would ultimately prevail, 25-14.
The Lady Vols emerged with a similar advantage in the second set, building a 10-5 lead and forcing a Rebel timeout. That lead would only balloon for the hosts, who were able to build a 17-7 advantage in the second set. The Rebels were able to generate some momentum, thanks to a Tenesyn Frye kill and Vivianna Samaniego ace, but Tennessee would go on to take the second set, 25-12.
Set three saw significant progress from the Rebels, who got a jolt off the bench from freshman Sophie Taylor. Taylor picked up a pair of kills and helped the Rebels keep the set in-check through the first 15 points, as Tennessee led 8-7. After an additional two kills from Meyer and another block from Crook and Moorer, the Rebels were able to keep the deficit narrow, trailing 15-12 at the technical timeout. However, a lengthy Lady Vols run would put the match on ice, as Tennessee took the final set, 25-14.
The Rebels are back in action on Sunday, traveling to face No. 4 Kentucky. The match is set for 1 p.m. CT and will be streamed via SEC Network Plus.
Fans can continue to show support for the Rebels by joining the ACE Club. Funds from the ACE Club are a major component in helping the Ole Miss volleyball program compete at the highest level. For more information and to donate, click here.