MOUNT BERRY, Ga.- The No. 12- ranked Berry Vikings volleyball team began their chase for the Southern Athletic Association tournament trophy on Friday night by defeating Rhodes College and ending their 2023 campaign in a 3-1 (25-16, 25-15, 22-25, 25-13) victory at The Cage Center. Berry's offensive weapons Jazzy Innis and Lindsey MacDiarmid achieved career-milestone moments before solidifying their spot in the semifinals of the SAA tournament.

In a thrilling display of offensive skill, MacDiarmid surpassed 1,000 career assists. Sharing the stage with Innis, the senior outside hitter exceeded 1,000 career kills in the contest against the Lynx.

The Vikings (24-5,14-0 SAA) were patient in the first set by taking advantage of 12 Lynx (11-18,3-11 SAA) errors. The set was tied early on 6-6, but the Vikings found their footing and went on a 13-1 run thanks to seven Lynx errors and four service aces from the blue and white team, three of which came from Kate Whittle.

Rhodes minimized their errors in the second set, but Berry responded by elevating their offensive performance, accumulating 14 kills dispersed among six players. Junior Bella Boston single handedly ran the Lynx all over the floor with four kills of her own. MacDiarmid was determined to claim her milestone moment early in the game, racking up 11 assists in the second set to achieve a prestigious spot in the 1K club.

Fearing their season may come to an end earlier than they hoped, Rhodes demonstrated their grit in the third set, tallying 16 kills and stopping the Vikings' momentum. The score was back and forth early, but four consecutive Berry errors relinquished their lead and made the score 7-4 in favor of the Lynx. Berry was unable to regain the lead, making the score 2-1 and forcing a fourth set.

Four sets were all Berry needed to send the Lynx home for the final time this season. The Vikings increased their intensity, stopping any glimmer of hope Rhodes had of continuing their season by accumulating 14 kills in the 25-13 set. At Berry's tenth point of the set, the arena cheered as Innis achieved her milestone moment. Fittingly, the 1,000-milestone club duo partnered up in the final point of the game, beginning their climb to 2,000 in their respective categories.

Boston double-doubled with 11 kills and 13 digs. Whittle stayed on the defensive prowl, tallying 16 digs on the day.

The Vikings will continue their quest for a conference tournament trophy by competing against Hendrix in the semifinal round beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday in The Cage Center.