CLEVELAND, Ga.— Squaring off in Cleveland, Ga. for the second time this season, the Montreat volleyball team took on the Truett McConnell University Bears Tuesday evening in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) affair. While the Cavaliers utilized four sets to win the initial matchup, they only needed three frames this time around. With its third sweep of the season, Montreat improved to 7-1 (7-1 AAC).
 
Kamryn Wolf tallied five kills and a service ace early during the opening set, aiding the visitors to an 11-8 lead. Truett McConnell (10-12, 7-5 AAC) leveled the frame at 14-14, but Karly Horn sparked a 4-0 run to swing momentum in Montreat's favor. Wolf, who ended the set with nine kills, rattled off four straight, and Katie Alexander tacked on an ace to win the first frame, 25-19.
 
The Cavs seized the initial five points in the second set, and a pair of kills from Alexander and Elizabeth Harrington expanded the advantage out to 8-2. Two Sophie Duckworth attacks coupled with a block from Ruthann Stout allowed Montreat to build a seven-point lead (15-8) midway through the frame. In the end, the away team led by as many as nine points, and it capitalized on its .419 hitting percentage to claim a 25-17 frame.
 
Sensing the chance for a sweep, Montreat wasted no time in putting the match away. Horn and Wolf combined for four kills, and the latter added another ace as the visitors took a 6-2 edge. Three additional aces from Wolf keyed a 5-0 run that led to a 16-9 advantage. TMU tried to close the gap late, but Horn slammed the door shut and capped off the sweep with a 25-22 third set.
 
Wolf registered her fourth double-double of the year with 21 kills and a season-high 14 digs. Cate Hale also totaled 14 digs, while Horn contributed 10. Alexander paced all players with 19 assists, while Reese Davis' 16 assists helped her surpass the 1,500-career assist mark. Horn and Harrington recorded six kills, and Wolf had five service aces.
 
As a squad, the visitors controlled the contest thanks to noticeable edges in hitting percentage (.192 to .171), kills (42-31), aces (8-1), assists (42-29), digs (70-59) and blocks (5-2).
 
"I'm proud of the team for how we played tonight, but what truly meant the most were the donations, letters and incredible support we received," said head coach Cristina Viera. "This goes far beyond the game. It's a reminder of the strength of community and the impact of standing together. We are grateful to the Lord for His provision and for surrounding us with people whose kindness and love uplift us as we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene."
 
Montreat heads to Pikeville, Ky. Friday morning for another AAC matchup. First serve between the Cavs and the University of Pikeville Bears is scheduled for 11 a.m.