MILLIGAN, Tenn. -- The Bluefield College volleyball team gained sizeable leads in each of the first two sets, but the hosting Milligan College Buffaloes battled back to claim each set and complete the 3-0 sweep, 25-20, 25-23, 25-18 in Appalachian Athletic Conference volleyball action on Tuesday evening.

The teams battled back-and-forth early to a 6-6 tie. But, Bluefield reeled off a 12-4 run to open an 18-10 advantage in the opening set. The Lady Rams posted five kills in the span, including two from Marissa Grice, while Carly Whitham and Lexie Mocarski each added aces and the Buffaloes made five attack errors.

But, Milligan came charging back by scoring eight-straight points to tie the set, 18-18. Bluefield responded to take a 20-18 lead, but the Buffaloes closed with seven-straight points for the set win.

In the second, the teams once again matched up evenly, being tied at 12-all. Bluefield posted a 7-1 run for a 19-13 lead, but the hosts battled back once again with six-straight points to square the set 19-19. The Buffaloes then closed by taking six of the next 10 points for the 25-23 win and a 2-0 lead.

It was once again a close matchup in the third, with the teams tying at 14-14. The Buffaloes then collected four-straight points for an 18-14 lead, and scored seven of the next 11 points for the 25-18 set win and sweep.

Mikaela Hurst and Ellen Johnson led Bluefield with eight kills apiece, while Jasmine Morrow added seven. Hurst posted a .333 attack percentage. Channel Flores claimed 20 assists and Grice added seven more.

Bluefield's game at the net included 18 block assists, with Michaela Chiarilli and Amber Taylor-Inge being in on five blocks apiece. Ashlyn Van Dyke made 14 digs, followed by 11 from Ellen Johnson.

Bluefield returns to action on Saturday, taking part in a tri-match at Bluefield State College. In addition to facing the Blues at 10 a.m., BC will take on Hollins University at noon.