Royals Outlast Pikeville in Five-Set Thriller

The Royals volleyball team closed out its regular season with a dramatic five-set victory over Pikeville (KY) on Saturday morning inside Karnes Arena. The Royals improved to 30-6 overall and 17-2 in conference play, while Pikeville fell to 17-12 (14-4 AAC).

After dropping the opening set 25–23, Johnson rallied to take the next two frames 25–18 and 25–23. Pikeville fought back in the fourth, winning 25–21 to force a decisive fifth. The Royals found another gear when it mattered most, cruising to a 15–7 finish to seal the match.

Abigail Brown led the attack with 18 kills and 8 errors on 47 swings (.213), while Isabella Lidstrom added 12 kills. Luci Morris and Hannah Lukey each chipped in offensively with 9 and 8 kills, respectively, as Johnson hit .195 as a team. Setter Caelyn Marshall dished out 28 assists, and Marissa McMahon anchored the back row with 29 digs.

On the other side, Pikeville was paced by Lanie Hawley's 15 kills and Gracey Lovgren's 12 kills. The Bears hit .201 overall but couldn't match Johnson's late-set execution.

With the win, the Royals close regular-season play on a high note and now turn their attention to the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament, where they'll enter as one of the top seeds.