Women's Volleyball | 8/29/2008 8:28:02 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Methodist took an early 2-0 lead, but Columbia made it a tight third set before the Monarchs prevailed 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 28-26). The Monarchs used a balanced attack led by senior Sara Yeatman and freshman Olivia Whiteheart with nine kills a piece.

Columbia trailed just 10-9 before the Monarchs scored the next ten consecutive points behind the serving of junior Kelsey Carter. Junior Taylor Cates added a kill for the set point and the 25-11 win.

In the second set, Columbia kept it close throughout the match with an 18-17 lead. The Monarchs scored six straight points capped off by a kill from junior libero Jordan Grady. Methodist finished the set after a service error by the Koalas.

The third set went back and forth with Columbia taking an early 11-7 lead. The Monarchs battled back and tied the score at 13 and again at 18. Both teams exchanged points, but it was Columbia that had the first set point opportunity at 24-23, but a service error gave the Monarchs another opportunity. Methodist took the 25-24 lead, but Columbia tied the game at 25 and 26. A kill from freshman Jalesty Washington gave Methodist the 27-26 lead and Yeatman finished up with the kill for the Monarchs' win.

Washington finished with six kills and Carter led with 26 assists. Grady had 17 digs while Wasington had 15 and freshman Kelsey Yates had 13.

Methodist will play Messiah Saturday at 11 am and Columbia at 3 pm with Messiah and Columbia scheduled for 1 pm.

For fans unable to make it to the game visit http://www.methodist.edu/monarchs/xlive/xlive.htm to track the live stats online.