Jackson, TN –  Courtney Bolf recorded 20 kills for the second time this season, helping the Reddies to an electrifying five-set victory against Belmont Abbey College in their opening match of the Union Invitational, 3-2 (20-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-17, 15-7).  Danika Daum finished with a season-high 11 assists, while reigning GAC Defensive Player of the Week Gigi Garramone paced the Reddies with 18 digs.

Henderson State 3, Belmont Abbey College 2 

SET ONE
 
The Reddies (8-2) looked to be in control early, winning two of the matches first three points, and soon built a modest 6-3 lead behind two kills from Bolf. The Crusaders would tie the set at 6-6, but HSU soon reclaimed its three-point lead, 11-8. With the score 17-14 HSU, Belmont Abbey turned the tables on HSU, winning seven of the next eight points to take their own three point advantage, 21-18. A kill from Karlie Greene pulled one back for Henderson State, but the Reddies would get no closer, as the Crusaders took the first set, and the match lead, 25-20.
 
SET TWO
 
After a frustrating first set, the Reddies came out firing in the second frame, and soon had a 4-0 advantage behind two kills from Bolf. After a kill from Tyasia McGruder made the score 11-4 HSU, the Crusaders went on a 6-1 run to pull within two, 12-10. After the teams split the next four points, the Reddies did not allow Belmont Abbey to win consecutive points for the rest of the set. The Reddies pulled away, and Bolf's eighth kill of the set tied the match, 25-20. 
 
SET THREE
 
The beginning of the third set was marked by alternating mini-runs from both teams. Belmont Abbey won the first two points, before HSU answered with four straight to make it 4-2. After the Crusaders knotted the frame at 4-4, the Reddies used two kills from Alex Tyler to go on their second 4-0 run of the set, doubling up Belmont Abbey 8-4. With the score 13-10 HSU, the Crusaders took over, going on a 15-4 run to win the set 25-17, and re-take the match lead, 2-1. 
 
SET FOUR
 
The Reddies and Crusaders traded punches in the first half of the fourth set as neither team could find any sort of rhythm. With the score 14-13 Belmont Abbey, the Reddies' made their move. Behind kills from Courtney Bolf, Zuzana Ondruskova and Adrianna Hartmann, HSU went on an 8-1 run to take control of the set, 21-15. HSU would eventually win the set 25-17, tying the match at 2-2. 
 
SET FIVE
 
Nerves seemed to be getting the best of both squads in the final frame of the match, as service error's on both sides led to an early 5-5 tie. With both squads searching for the run that would win the game, it was the Reddies who would find the magic touch. Kills from Hartmann and Bolf spurred HSU to an 8-1 run, which pushed Henderson in front 13-6. Belmont Abbey won the next point to pull within six, but a kill from McGruder put the Crusaders back's against the wall, and an Ondruskova ace finished the set, 15-7, and the match, 3-2. 
 
Henderson State 3, Lane College 0
 
Henderson State cruised to victory for their second win of the day, dispatching Lane College 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-9). Courtney Bolf and Tyasia McGruder led the way offensively, with each player notching seven kills. Taylor Scalzi had more than 20 assists for the third match in a row, finishing with 22. A plethora of Reddies showed off their defensive prowess, as 14 players recorded a defensive dig; Courtney Ahrns led all players with nine. 
 
The Reddies return to action Saturday, when they face Christian Brothers University at 12:30 p.m. and tournament hosts Union University at 7:00 p.m., in the second and final day of the Union Invitational.