JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - After picking up a midweek win against UNC Greensboro, East Tennessee State University's volleyball team heads to face in-state Southern Conference rival Chattanooga, Friday and Saturday, at Maclellan Gym.
East Tennessee State (4-12, 2-3 SoCon) took a 3-2 victory over UNCG on Tuesday at Brooks Gym. Three Buccaneers saw double-doubles:
Makayla Bays (19 kills, 14 digs),
Karis Chatfield (22 kills, 11 digs), and
Bailey Gohlke (31 assists, 10 digs). Chatfield's 22 kills were a career high. The team had 11 blocks and 71 digs, which were both their second-highest of the season.
Chattanooga (5-13, 0-5 SoCon) most recently took a 3-1 loss to Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. Ashley Reynolds led with 24 assists and 10 digs for her 24th double-double of the season. Chattanooga out-blocked Tennessee Tech 6-3; however, the Golden Eagles had 66 kills compared to the Mocs' 38.
This will be the 83rd meeting of the two programs in this series dating back to 1984. The Bucs lead the all-time series, 46-36, with the last matchup being a 3-1 Buccaneer win at Chattanooga, Oct. 23, 2025.
For news and updates ahead of the Buccaneers' 2026 season, follow the volleyball team on X and Instagram (@etsuvolleyball) or check back in on
etsubucs.com.
Match Points
- Lindsey Devine is in her 19th season at the helm of ETSU volleyball; her third consecutive season.
- Devine earned her fourth regular-season title last season; the eighth in program history.
- The 2026 squad consists of 11 returners, five freshmen, and one transfer.
- The reigning SoCon Player of the Year, Makayla Bays, was selected as a Preseason All-Conference selection after her standout sophomore campaign.
- On Sept. 15, the Buccaneers defeated South Carolina, 3-2, at Brooks Gym. This marked the Bucs' first win over an SEC opponent since their 3-2 decision over Tennessee, Sept. 4, 2018. Three Buccaneers had double-doubles in the win: Alex Kreutzmann 31 assists/10 digs, Makayla Bays 11 kills/15 digs, and Karis Chatfield 12 kills/10 digs. The team had a season-high 68 kills and 63 assists.
- The Bucs are ranked fourth in the conference with 11.51 assists per set and 771 total assists. They are fifth in the SoCon with a .198 hitting percentage, 12.21 kills per set, and 818 total kills.
- Gianna Blair is third in the SoCon with 1.06 blocks per set and fourth with 67 total blocks. Makayla Bays is fourth with 22 service aces, seventh with 228.0 points, ninth with 2.96 kills per set, and 198 kills. Karis Chatfield is 10th with 2.91 kills per set and 192 total kills. Melanie Morris is seventh in the SoCon with 202 digs.
Scouting report
- Chattanooga is third in the conference with 2.03 blocks per set and 132.0 total blocks.
- Caiti Barthel is second in the conference with 4.37 digs per set and third with 284 total digs. Kynli Kirkendoll is fifth with .92 blocks per set and 60 total blocks. Ashley Reynolds' 409 total assists rank seventh.
