Lyon College made its first appearance in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference volleyball tournament this season, falling to sixth-seeded Webster University in four sets in Friday’s quarterfinal round. The Scots closed the year 14–15 overall and 7–7 in conference play after becoming eligible for NCAA Division III championship competition earlier this year.
Webster won the match 25-23, 21-25, 25-21, 25-21. Lyon battled through tight sets, highlighted by a second-set comeback sparked by senior outside hitter Mollie McCoy, senior setter Madeline Hopson and senior outside hitter Cristen Cleveland.
McCoy led the Scots with 14 kills. Hopson totaled 22 assists and 10 digs, while Cleveland finished with eight kills, 10 digs and a service ace. Isabel Cervantes posted a double-double with 17 assists and 11 digs, and Keely Beary contributed seven kills and three blocks.
Despite the early tournament exit, three Scots earned SLIAC postseason recognition.
Senior outside hitter Cristen Cleveland was named First Team All-SLIAC. She appeared in 26 matches and 97 sets, recording 250 kills (2.58 per set), 285 digs (2.94 per set), 14 block assists and 296 total points.
Senior outside hitter Mollie McCoy also earned First Team All-SLIAC honors after a standout year. McCoy appeared in 29 matches, finishing with 255 kills (2.36 per set), 56 digs, 42 block assists and 280 total points.
Senior setter Madeline Hopson was named to the SLIAC All-Sportsmanship Team. Hopson recorded 508 assists (4.70 per set) in 29 matches, along with 37 service aces, 165 digs and 42 total points.
Lyon officials noted that this year’s postseason appearance marks an important milestone for the program as it transitions into full NCAA Division III competition.
All images via Lyon College
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