CHOCTAWS TOPPLE NO. 2 WEST ALABAMA STATEMENT GSC VICTORY

CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi Christian University volleyball delivered one of its biggest victories of the season Saturday afternoon, knocking off No. 2 West Alabama in four sets (26-24, 25-20, 18-25, 25-21) in Gulf South Conference action at A.E. Wood Coliseum.

The Choctaws (8-15, 5-6 GSC) handed the nationally ranked Tigers (22-3, 9-2 GSC) just their third loss of the season, using a balanced offensive attack, timely defensive stops and a resilient performance to secure the upset in front of the home crowd.

Scoreboard for MC/Alabama game

MC finished with 54 kills, 86 digs and 10 total blocks while limiting one of the conference’s top teams to a .110 hitting percentage.

The Blue and Gold set the tone early, rallying from a late deficit to steal the opening set before carrying that momentum into the second frame. After West Alabama responded in the third, the Choctaws answered with a strong fourth-set performance to put the finishing touches on the statement victory.

First Set: MC 26, West Alabama 24

The opening set provided an early glimpse of the Choctaws’ determination.

After falling behind 6-2, MC responded with four consecutive points, highlighted by kills from Meg Paparella, Cydney Mitchell and Mary Grace Foster, to even the score at 6-6.

The Tigers regained a 10-8 advantage, but the Choctaws answered again. A block and kill from Rhaia Davey, a Foster kill and a Maeve Allen service ace helped push MC ahead 13-11.

Neither team could establish separation down the stretch, and West Alabama eventually found itself holding set point with a 24-22 advantage.

With their backs against the wall, the Choctaws delivered four unanswered points. Reese Regner and Davey provided consecutive kills before two West Alabama attack errors completed the comeback, giving MC a dramatic 26-24 opening-set victory.

Second Set: MC 25, West Alabama 20

Mississippi Christian carried its momentum into the second set, opening with three consecutive points before West Alabama battled back to take a 7-5 lead.

Trailing 8-7, the Choctaws put together another timely run. A Mitchell block, a Davey kill and another Davey block sparked a four-point surge that gave MC an 11-8 advantage.

The Tigers continued to battle and eventually evened the score at 17-17, but MC once again delivered in a pivotal moment.

A West Alabama attack error, a Paparella service ace and a Mitchell kill fueled three straight points to put the Choctaws ahead 20-17.

MC maintained control the rest of the way, receiving late contributions from Foster, Allen and Regner before a Tigers attack error sealed the 25-20 victory and gave the Blue and Gold a commanding two-set advantage.

Third Set: West Alabama 25, MC 18

Facing elimination, West Alabama responded with a strong third set.

The teams traded points throughout the opening stretch, with Isabella Reyes, Mitchell, Foster and Davey contributing kills as the score reached 7-7.

The Tigers eventually established a 14-9 advantage, but the Choctaws refused to go away. A West Alabama service error, a Caroline Downey kill and a Mitchell block helped MC trim the deficit to 14-12.

West Alabama answered with five consecutive points to stretch its lead to 19-12, creating enough separation to extend the match.

Foster continued to pace the MC offense, recording six kills in the frame, all assisted by Regner. Reyes added a late kill to fight off set point, but the Tigers ultimately claimed the set 25-18.

Fourth Set: MC 25, West Alabama 21

With an opportunity to finish off the upset, Mississippi Christian delivered when it mattered most.

After an early 2-0 deficit, the Choctaws settled in behind kills from Davey and Regner. With the score tied at 4-4, MC seized control during a four-point run with Regner at the service line.

Foster powered the surge with two kills and a block assist, helping the Blue and Gold build an 8-4 advantage.

West Alabama battled back within 16-14, but Mitchell and Foster answered with kills before a Paparella service ace and another Mitchell kill pushed the MC advantage to 20-16.

The Tigers made one final push, cutting the deficit to 22-20, but the Choctaws held their ground.

A West Alabama attack error and a Davey kill from Regner brought MC to match point before a Tigers setting error secured the 25-21 victory and completed the four-set upset.

By the Numbers

Foster led the Choctaws offensively with a match-high 16 kills and 17 points, providing a consistent presence throughout the afternoon.

Davey delivered a strong all-around performance with 10 kills, seven total blocks and 16 points, playing a key role in MC’s success at the net.

Regner directed the offense with 44 assists and six digs, while Samarin Kipple anchored the back row with 26 digs.

The Choctaws’ defensive effort proved critical in slowing down West Alabama, as MC combined for 86 digs and 10 total blocks to keep the Tigers’ offense in check.

The victory marked a significant moment for Mississippi Christian, which knocked off a nationally ranked opponent and secured an important Gulf South Conference win as the regular season moves toward its final stretch.

Up Next

Mississippi Christian returns to the road Friday, Oct. 23, traveling to Montgomery, Alabama, to face Auburn Montgomery. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.