Red Raiders Sweep Knoxville Catholic to Earn No. 1 Seed and First-Round Bye
Baylor Volleyball closed out the regular season in championship fashion Tuesday night, sweeping Knoxville Catholic in three sets to claim the Division II-AA East Region Championship for the fifth consecutive season.
The Red Raiders defeated a strong Knoxville Catholic squad 25-23, 25-18, 25-21, securing the region's No. 1 seed heading into postseason play.
With the region championship, Baylor also earns a first-round bye in the state tournament bracket. The Red Raiders will return to the court on Saturday, October 17, with the winner advancing to the TSSAA Division II-AA State Final Four.
The championship adds another chapter to Baylor's long tradition of volleyball success. Baylor entered this season having won four consecutive region championships from 2022 through 2025.
Senior setter Milyn Hold directed the Baylor offense with another outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 37 assists, two aces, two kills, four digs and two blocks.
Rory Oleksik anchored the defense with 27 digs while adding two aces. Kenzie Johnson led the Baylor attack with 11 kills to go along with two digs and four blocks.
Baylor also received eight kills and three blocks from Molly Billington, while Gabby Minton and Fergie Hammel each recorded seven kills. Minton added four blocks.
Baylor Individual Stats:
Milyn Hold: 37 assists, 2 aces, 2 kills, 4 digs, 2 blocks
Rory Oleksik: 27 digs, 2 aces
Kenzie Johnson: 11 kills, 2 digs, 4 blocks
Molly Billington: 8 kills, 3 blocks
Gabby Minton: 7 kills, 4 blocks
Fergie Hammel: 7 kills, 1 dig
Taylor Warren: 5 kills, 1 dig, 1 block
Brenna Bagley: 2 aces, 6 digs
Nina Lail: 3 aces, 1 dig
Calista Stafford: 3 digs
Scarlett Kelley: 1 ace
Baylor now turns its attention to the postseason with another major goal accomplished and an opportunity to continue its run toward a state championship.
Five straight region championships. The No. 1 seed. And now, postseason volleyball begins.
#WeAreBaylor
