ATLANTA, Ga. – The LaGrange College women's volleyball team picked up their first win of the season on Saturday at the 2026 Jenny McDowell Invitational hosted by Emory University at the Woodruff PE Center Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, prevailing in a five-set thriller over Pfeiffer University in their morning match. In their evening match against Oglethorpe University, the Panthers took down the Petrels in four sets, giving them two wins on the season.
THE BASICS
Score – Match 1: LaGrange 3, Pfeiffer 2 (25-21, 25-13, 26-28, 26-28, 16-14)
Score – Match 2: LaGrange 3, Oglethorpe 1 (27-29, 25-13, 25-13, 25-14)
Team Record: Panthers 2-2, 0-0 CCS
LAGRANGE 3, PFEIFFER 2
- After taking the first two sets, the Panthers found themselves falling short in the third and fourth in heart-breaking extras, both 28-26. Down 4-1 in the fifth and deciding set, LaGrange dug deep, eventually taking a 12-9 lead. The Falcons took a 14-13 lead with match point, only for sophomore outside hitter Alex Krabs (Boynton Beach, Fla.) and freshman middle-blocker Jade Furr (Prescott, Ariz.) to combine for a critical block to send it into extras. After another Pfeiffer attack error, Krabs delivered the match-winning kill off a set from junior setter Julia Damico (North Port, Fla.) to claim the victory.
- LaGrange sophomore middle-blocker Kaitlyn Smith (Buckeye, Ariz.) was a force at the net, posting 17 kills with a .469 percentage and tallying five total blocks. Damico was sensational at both ends with 29 set assists and 25 digs. Krabs added ten kills and five block assists.
LAGRANGE 3, OGLETHORPE 1
- After losing a heart-breaking first set to the Petrels 29-27, the Panthers stormed back winning three straight sets in decisive fashion.
- LaGrange junior transfer outside hitter Ella Sprouse (Sneads, Fla.) had a breakout match, with 17 kills, a .353 kill percentage, two aces, four total blocks and 11 digs.
- Smith continued to dominate with 12 kills and four block assists. Her .647 kill percentage against Oglethorpe ranks the sixth highest in school history.
- LaGrange junior outside hitter Ella Kahikina (Tampa, Fla.) added 11 kills and 12 digs while Damico posted 24 set assists and eight digs.
UP NEXT
- LaGrange is back on the court on Friday when they travel to the Raleigh Invitational hosted by Guilford College.
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