Cleveland State Community College hosted Hiwassee College for their final home match of the season on Wednesday evening, defeating the Lady Tigers by a match score of 3-0.
Prior to the match, Cleveland State Athletics recognized their graduating sophomores with a ceremony. Each sophomore received a specially made plaque which was designed by the Cleveland State Communications department.
The sophomores recognized were Hailey Galvan, Kate Essenberg, Ariana Smith, Kirstie Williams, Savannah Carroll, Amanda Taylor, Reagan Morrison, Peyton Eads, and Caylea Duckett.
The Lady Cougars jumped out to an early lead in the first set against the Lady Tigers, taking a 16-5 lead. Ariana Smith delivered a handful of nice serves as Cleveland State increased their lead to 17-10. Hailey Galvan saved a hard hit ball from Hiwassee's side to help deliver a 25-13 victory in the first set.
The second set was a back and forth affair between the two teams as Hiwassee College jumped out to a 7-3 lead over the Lady Cougars. Cleveland State came roaring back under the direction of Kate Essenberg to take a 12-11 lead. The two teams knotted the score up at 14 a piece but Cleveland State took control from there running away with the second set victory by a score of 25-19.
The third and final set again saw multiple ties between the two squads. They started out the set knotting it up at 5 apiece while Hiwassee jumped out to an 8-7 lead. The Lady Cougars responded by adding two scores of their own to take a 9-8 lead. From there the Lady Cougars didn't look back as they continued to increase their lead. Cleveland State won the third set by a score of 25-17, winning the match by a score of 3-0.
The Lady Cougars improve their record to 12-13 on the season with three straight wins against Hiwassee College, Georgia Northwestern and Crown College. Cleveland State will host the NJCAA Region VII Women's Volleyball Tournament starting on Friday, October 26th at 6:00 PM.