JACKSON, Miss. — Millsaps College (13-9, 2-5 SAA) defeated Rhodes College (8-11, 2-5 SAA) in four sets on Thursday evening at The Hangar Dome, securing a comeback victory, 18-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-19.

Senior Ally Baer led the Millsaps attack with 14 kills, hitting .522 and added three service aces. Junior Sandy Bourgeois anchored the defense with 23 digs, contributing significantly to the team's overall performance.

Freshman Rachel Zamjahn facilitated the offense with 32 assists, orchestrating plays effectively across the court and secured 10 digs. Senior Trista Naquin added six kills and contributed three total blocks defensively, providing a balanced effort on both sides of the net.

Freshman Laila Fredieu posted 12 digs, while classmate Madelynn Sasser and sophomore Zoë LaCaze both registered eight kills each.

Early exchanges featured service and attack errors from both teams in the first set kept the score close. Millsaps managed to capitalize on opponent errors, with senior Mallory Richardson and Baer contributing key kills to keep the set within reach at 10-10.

As the opening set progressed, the Majors found opportunities with LaCaze delivering a string of kills, supported by assists from Zamjahn, to level the score at 15-15. However, Rhodes gained momentum with a series of effective plays, including kills from Caroline Short, to pull ahead.

Despite efforts from Millsaps, including a kill by Naquin, Rhodes maintained their lead and closed set one with a 25-18 victory.

Millsaps began set two with a commanding performance, quickly establishing momentum. The set opened with a kill by LaCaze, assisted by Zamjahn, sparking a 7-0 scoring run that included a service ace from Bourgeois and a block from LaCaze and Baer. This early surge set the tone as the Majors dominated the pace.

Despite a brief offensive response from Rhodes, Millsaps continued to capitalize on their opportunities. Baer and Sasser contributed kills, while defensive efforts from freshman Tatum Husby and Baer further extended the lead. Set two concluded with the home team maintaining their advantage, closing with a kill by Naquin, sealing a 25-13 victory.

The Majors opened set three with another strong start, capitalizing on a Rhodes attack error to take an early lead. The team then built momentum with Baer's consistent attacks, contributing multiple kills throughout the set. A key moment occurred when LaCaze and Naquin combined for a block, extending the lead to 21-15.

The Majors concluded set three with a 25-19 victory after a final Baer kill, solidifying their advantage in the match.

Millsaps opened set four with continued momentum as LaCaze and Sasser each secured early kills, setting a tone of control. Another turning point came with Baer's three consecutive service aces, helping build a 14-6 advantage.

Despite Rhodes' attempts to close the gap, the Majors' attack, led by Naquin and Sasser, effectively countered, culminating in a 25-19 victory for the set.

Looking ahead, Millsaps will host No. 14 Berry College at the Hangar Dome in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday, October 11. The match begins at noon with live video and live stats available at gomajors.com.


To keep updated with everything surrounding the Millsaps College volleyball program this season follow the Majors on X and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.
 
Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.