From staff reports
Third-seeded LOVB Austin delivered its most complete performance of the season Friday when it mattered most.
Behind an efficient offense and balanced attack, Austin swept No. 2 seed Atlanta 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 in the opening match of the LOVB semifinal series in Louisville, Kentucky, seizing a 1-0 lead in the best-of-two format.
“Real proud of the way we showed up and competed,” said LOVB Austin head coach Erik Sullivan. “I think this was one of, if not the best match we played this season. It was the most complete for sure.”
Austin (11-10) controlled the match from the outset, hitting .370 as a team while dictating tempo with crisp passing and in-system play. Setter Carli Lloyd orchestrated the offense with 36 assists, adding 11 digs and four points.
Austin finished with 58 kills and a .546 attack percentage across key stretches, consistently outpacing Atlanta offensively while limiting errors .
Logan Eggleston led the way with 13 kills, while Madisen Skinner added 11 and Madi Banks chipped in 10. Molly McCage was highly efficient in the middle, recording eight kills on a blistering .800 hitting percentage, and Asjia O’Neal anchored the net with seven kills and three blocks .
Austin set the tone early in the opening frame, using a mid-set run to create separation before O’Neal closed the set with a slide kill. The second set followed a similar script, with Austin building a steady cushion behind clean execution and closing it out 25-20 despite a late Atlanta push.
The third set provided the only real drama.
After Austin built a 16-10 lead behind a surge sparked by Eggleston, Atlanta rallied to cut the deficit to one late. But Austin responded with poise, siding out efficiently and regaining control to complete the sweep.
With the win, Austin moves within one victory of a return trip to the LOVB Finals. The two teams will meet again Saturday at 5 p.m. Central. A win clinches a championship berth for Austin, while an Atlanta victory would force a decisive golden set to 15 points immediately following the match.
