University of Mount Olive won the opening set, but Lees-McRae College rallied to defeat the Trojans 22-25, 25-22, 25-13, 25-11 in Conference Carolinas women's volleyball Friday at Banner Elk, N.C. Danielle Plante led the Trojans with nine kills, while Sydney Kanupp shared match-high honors with a career-high six blocks.
Mount Olive (4-21 overall, 3-12 Conference Carolinas) trailed by as many as four points in the first set before back-to-back blocks by Kanupp and Plante put the Trojans on top 16-15. The two teams exchanged side outs before setter Nicole Karas' kill put Mount Olive ahead to stay 23-22. Kanupp and Alysha Burnett combined on a block on set point.
The Trojans had to play from behind again in the second set as Lees-McRae (7-19, 6-9) scored the first five points. Mount Olive rallied to tie the set 15-15 on a kill by setter Danielle Stachura and Megan Hight's kill gave the Trojans the lead at 19-18. But Lees-McRae rallied to regain the lead and a Bobcat ace on set point evened the match at one set apiece.
Lees-McRae controlled the next two sets to take the match.
Watkins finished with seven kills and four blocks, while Hight added five blocks. Britni Johnson recorded 10 digs.
Mount Olive concludes regular season play Saturday as the Trojans travel to Bristol, Tenn., to take on King University. Match time is 2 p.m.