Nevada, MO – The Stephens College Stars (17-13) won their quarterfinal match of the American Midwest Conference Tournament against Cottey College 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-22). The Stars now advance to the semifinals for the first time in program history
 
Junior Jamie Russell and sophomore Isabelle Benson led the offensive charge with 11 kills apiece. Benson also contributed 22 digs (7.3 digs/set), as did junior Genevieve Nickelson. Sophomore Mallory Polk added 8 kills, while sophomore Rylee Collins and senior Paige Howe each chipped in 6 kills. Howe stopped the Comets with 4 blocks while Russell had 3.
 
Junior Avery Hays tossed out 18 assists and senior Lauren Vineyard put up 16 assists. Two Stars - Mallory Polk and Megan Reese - had 3 aces apiece.
 
The Stars set the tone early in the first set, jumping out to a 20-10 lead. Despite receiving pressure from the Comets, Stephens was able to preserve their lead and finish the first set 26-24. Momentum continued into the second set, winning 25-21.
 
The Stars trailed the Comets for the majority of the third set and were forced to call a timeout down 17-21. Blocks by Collins and Benson and kills by Polk and Howe helped the Stars on a 6-0 run to retake the third 23-21. The Stars went on to finish the third set 25-22.
 
Stephens led in most statistical categories – including total points (57 to the Comet's 34), digs, (43-25), and aces (7-3).
 
The sweep comes just five days after the Stars lost 3-0 to Cottey College in the AMC regular season match up.
 
The Stars are back in action this Friday, Nov. 11 at 4pm where they will travel across town to battle #16 Columbia College in the AMC semifinals.