COLUMBUS, Miss. -  Mississippi University for Women volleyball won its third-consecutive match, defeating Rust College, 3-1, at Pohl Gym. The Owls (6-4) out-dueled the Bearcats (3-7) by set scores of 25-19, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22.
 
The win also served as a reminder of the continued positive, program-changing, upward direction of the 2022 team. With six wins in its first 10 matches, it is the best start for any team since the sport was reinstated in 2017. Additionally, this year's Owls have already matched the most wins in an entire season during those years, with at least 15 matches left on the 2022 schedule.
 
"Although the game was challenging, I feel as if we are getting better each day," MUW Head Coach Halee Hensley said. "I'm proud of how the girls handle adversity."
 
The W easily won the first two sets, leading wire-to-wire in both, before set three went to the Bearcats. Set four was an epic struggle, featuring 11 ties and six lead changes before MUW prevailed.
 
Balance was once again The W's forte, as three players finished in double-digit kill totals. The trio was led by Amonie Silas, who registered 11 kills and a sterling .333 attack average.
 
Llayne Skinner and Maggie Griggs each booked 10 kills. Skinner finished with a "double-double," also making a team-best 12 digs. Griggs, on the other hand, served up four of the team's 10 aces.
 
The Owls duo of setters – Camryn Johnson and Karmen McCrory – combined for 25 assists. Johnson had 13 helps and McCrory 12. McCrory also chipped in 11 digs.
 
Libero Maddy Suggs had 10 digs, as well as seven assists. Jasmine Kelly led all blockers with three stuffs.
 
Next up for MUW is a date at Huntingdon College next Tuesday (Sept. 20). Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. in Montgomery, Ala.