Morehead, Ky.-- Morehead State battled a strong attack and service game from Xavier but ultimately fell 3-1 Thursday night in Johnson Arena.
Final scores were (22-25), (25-22), (18-25) and (21-25).
Morehead State (6-4) was led by senior
M.E. Hargan who posted her 24
th career double-double with 19 kills and 12 digs, both team highs.
Sarah Heath finished with 10 kills.
Xavier (10-1) slammed nine aces, led by libero Kelsey Niesen with four, and out-hit MSU .236 to .197.
Xavier got off to a fast start using an eight-point run to take a 19-9 lead. The Eagles battled back, getting as close as 24-22, before losing the first set on the third set point.
Morehead State evened up the match in the second set. The Eagles used a three-point run to take the lead 14-11. MSU gradually extended their lead and clinched the set on the fourth set point.
Xavier used a relentless attack in the third frame, hitting .367 to just .200 for Morehead State in the set and won the set 25-18.
The fourth set was tight with nine ties and five lead changes. Xavier used a three-point to close out the match.
The Musketeers attack was led by Emma Grace with 17 kills and 15 digs. Charlotte Moriarty added a career-high 15 kills and added 13 digs.
Morehead State will travel to Cincinnati to take on Xavier Saturday. First serve is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on ESPN+.
NOTABLE
- Xavier edged MSU 61-58 digs. Hargan led MSU with 12 digs, Courtney Fitzgerald and Sydney Sennett finished with 10 apiece.
- Morehead State led 7-6 in total team blocks. Hargan, Heath, Bailey Brashear and Hollan Everett each finished with two blocks apiece.
- Sennett finished with 32 assists and 10 digs for her 14th double-double.
