COLUMBUS, Miss. — The Millsaps College volleyball team defeated MUW, 3-1 on Wednesday at Pohl Gymnasium, claiming the sets 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 25-16.

The Majors (10-4) won their ninth consecutive match and capitalized on a strong defensive performance, recording 60 digs compared to their opponent's 50. Key to the victory was Millsaps' efficiency in attack, posting a hitting percentage of .254, significantly higher than the Owls' .179. The Majors also held a 6-2 advantage in total blocks, securing their win in the fourth set with a decisive finish.

Senior Ally Baer led Millsaps with 15 kills on 33 attempts, contributing significantly to her 18.5 total points. Junior Sandy Bourgeois was a defensive standout, recording 24 digs over four sets.

Freshman Rachel Zamjahn orchestrated the offense with 39 assists, adding to her seven digs and two block assists. Classmate Madelynn Sasser added seven kills on 17 attempts, rounding out her performance with 7.5 points. Sophomore Zoë LaCaze also posted seven kills.

Millsaps opened the first set with a commanding presence, highlighted by Baer's impressive performance, as she contributed six kills and two service aces. The team maintained their momentum, with Zamjahn facilitating the attack, recording multiple assists, including a critical setup for Junior Amelia Bohl's kill at 18-17. A closing 5-0 run, driven by Baer's consistent pressure, secured a 25-19 victory, also effectively capitalizing on multiple attack errors from the Owls.

The second set showcased a thrilling back-and-forth battle with Millsaps securing a narrow 26-24 victory. The set was marked by a significant 6-0 run starting at 8-3 down, where Millsaps capitalized on a series of errors from the opposition and precise kills by Sasser and Baer, each assisted by Zamjahn. Millsaps maintained composure in the final moments, with a Baer kill and an attack error by MUW sealing the win.

The third set saw a tightly contested battle with both teams exchanging early points, but Millsaps managed to build momentum through the efforts of LaCaze and Zamjahn. LaCaze delivered multiple kills, capitalizing on precise setups from Zamjahn. Despite a series of attack errors and a late rally from the opposing team, Millsaps maintained pressure with Baer's kill at 22-21, keeping the score close. Ultimately, the set concluded with Millsaps narrowly falling 25-23 after a decisive attack error.

Millsaps opened the fourth set with a strong kill from LaCaze, setting the tone for a great close-out set. A series of errors from the Owls allowed Millsaps to build momentum, with a notable stretch of six consecutive points giving them a 9-4 advantage. Senior Mallory Richardson delivered a key contribution with three kills over four points, extending the lead to 13-5 and establishing control. Despite a brief rally from the Owls, Millsaps capitalized on further errors to secure a decisive 25-16 victory in the set.

Looking ahead, the Majors will travel to face Oglethorpe University on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Atlanta, Ga. The match is set to begin at 10 a.m. CT and will open Southern Athletic Association action.


To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps College volleyball program follow the Majors on X and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook and 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.