NKyTribune staff
A home winning streak of 28 matches that dates back to 2016 is at stake for Thomas More on Friday night as the Saints play host to Life (Ga.) in a crucial Mid-South Conference contest in the Connor Convocation Center.
Thomas More enters Friday with an 18-6 overall record and is in sole possession of second place in the Mid-South Conference with a 9-2 mark. Life is 17-7 overall, 7-4 in the Mid-South Conference. The Running Eagles already own a victory against Thomas More this season, a five-set triumph in Marietta, Ga.
Thomas More has won six straight matches going into Friday. In addition, the Saints haven’t lost at home since Sept. 21, 2016, when Hanover pulled out a five-set victory in the Connor Convocation Center. Since then, Thomas More has run off 28 consecutive home victories.
Sophomore setter Lizzie Schoenfeld has distributed 444 assists and served up 32 aces, while junior setter Maddie Read has dished out 415 assists. Read has also served up 30 aces and is hitting .375.
With Schoenfeld and Read directing the offense, Thomas More is 21st nationally in the NAIA in team hitting percentage at .226.
Life is led by outside hitter Lena Pucnik, who has 317 kills while attacking at a .277 clip. Outside hitter Zykeria Allen has hammered down 287 kills, and middle blocker Mary Zimmerman leads the Running Eagles with 80 total blocks.
Thomas More is two victories away from clinching its eighth consecutive 20-win season. The Saints, who received 20 points in this week’s NAIA national poll, will also play host to the Cumberlands (Ky.) at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Lindsey Wilson — which is atop the Mid-South Conference standings with a 10-2 record, a half game ahead of Thomas More — is 22-5 overall and ranked No. 10 nationally in the NAIA poll.
THOMAS MORE/CINCINNATI EXHIBITION GAME UPDATE: The start time for the exhibition men’s basketball game between Thomas More and Cincinnati on Oct. 31 has been moved to 6 p.m. The game will take place at Fifth Third Arena in Clifton.
Cincinnati is coached by former Northern Kentucky mentor John Brannen, who is entering his first season with the Bearcats. Justin Ray is beginning his season year with Thomas More, which posted a 16-9 record last season while competing at the NCAA Division III level.
Thomas More is picked ninth in the Mid-South Conference preseason coaches poll. Defending NAIA national champion Georgetown (Ky.) is the preseason favorite in the Mid-South Conference.
(Information compiled from Thomas More and staff reports)