UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Sydney Swan notched a career-high 27 kills to lead the Davenport women's volleyball team to a 3-1 victory over Saginaw Valley State in four sets on Saturday evening at Hamilton Gymnasium. The junior's 27 kills ranks tied for seventh all-time for kills in a single match in school history. She also accumulated six digs in the victory for the Panthers  (9-7, 6-3 GLIAC).

The first set began with Davenport University establishing an early lead, as Swan recorded multiple kills with assists from Madison Berry. A  service ace by Julia Frederick and a kill by Abby Alan, helped push DU to a 10-6 lead. The Cardinals (6-11, 1-7 GLIAC) fought back, managing to equalize the score at 15-15, but Davenport responded with a crucial kill from Amelia Werner. As the set neared its conclusion, Kaitlin Jordan delivered consecutive kills to edge out a narrow lead. With both teams tied at 24-24. Swan registered a pivotal kill, followed by a block from Werner and Berry on Saginaw Valley's Finley Helm, closing the first set with Davenport ahead 26-24.

In the second set, Swan then contributed with crucial kills, moving the Panthers ahead 18-16 late.Moments later, Alan delivered a timely service ace, extending Davenport's narrow lead to 20-18. As the set progressed, Davenport capitalized on the Cardinals' errors and maintained pressure with consistent offensive plays. A service ace by Hayley Carr further consolidated their position, while Jordan and Swan each added critical kills. The set concluded with Davenport securing a 25-21 victory, closing with an emphatic kill from Swan, assisted by Berry.

In the third set, Davenport gained an early advantage due to a service error by the Cardinals, but the teams exchanged points through the early stages. Jordan and Swan contributed key kills, with Berry providing consistent assists, keeping Davenport competitive despite a series of Saginaw Valley attacks. SVSU managed a slight lead, supported by their offensive execution, including kills from Helm and Ava Decker. Davenport responded as Swan continued to find success at the net, narrowing the gap. As the set progressed, Davenport's efforts, highlighted by kills from Swan and Overbeek, brought them within reach. Despite closing the gap late, a service error from Davenport ended the set with Saginaw Valley ahead, 25-21.

Davenport took control early in the fourth set, initiating play with a 3-0 lead, aided by a kill from Swan and two opponent attack errors. The team maintained momentum through key plays by Overbeek and Jordan, extending their advantage to 11-5. Saginaw Valley momentarily rallied, closing the gap to 11-10 with a series of points. However, Davenport responded with efficiency, highlighted by multiple kills from Swan and Jordan, regaining a significant edge at 20-13. In the closing stages, Davenport solidified their lead with decisive kills from Swan and Jordan. The set concluded with DU securing a 25-18 victory.

Berry finished with a season-high 53 assists across the four games for the Panthers. Jordan added to the offensive effort with 14 kills and two service aces, totaling 16 points. Maggie Juncaj anchored the defense with 15 digs, helping to bolster the team's backcourt presence.

Up Next
The Panthers will head to Hammond, Ind. for the annual Midwest Region Crossover Tournament next weekend (Oct. 17-18).