Women's Volleyball | 9/25/2011 7:55:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist volleyball team picked up two big conference wins on Sunday over Mary Baldwin College and Peace College. The Monarchs opened the day with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-23) win over the Squirrels before outlasting Peace 3-2 (25-20, 22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-9).

The Monarchs started strong against Mary Baldwin building a 10-2 advantage. Hayley Williams served up four straight points and Brittany McCoy finished the set with a kill for the Monarchs to win 25-11. The Squirrels took the early 6-2 lead in the second set, but Methodist came back with a 7-0 run to take the lead. Mary Baldwin hung around midway through the set, but the Monarchs finished with the 25-18 win. The Squirrels held a 20-13 lead in the third set, but Methodist rallied with a 9-0 run to take the lead. The set was tied at 22 and 23, but the Monarchs finished with a 25-23 win to earn the match win.

Jalesty Washington led the team with 11 kills while Brittany McCoy had 10 kills. Kayci Miller had 16 assists and Kendra Krupp added 14 assists. Rachel Evans paced the Monarchs with 13 digs.

Methodist opened up a quick 4-0 lead  over Peace in the final match of the day. The Monarchs never trailed as they finished with the 25-20 win on an ace by Miller. In the second set, they picked up where they left off with a 6-3 lead. Methodist had the 10-8 advantage, but Peace went on a 12-1 run to take the 20-11 lead. Methodist tried to put together a rally of their own and cut the lead to three behind the serving of Williams. Stephanie Wood's kill moved the Monarchs within one at 23-22, but Peace finished with the 25-22 win. Peace dominated the third set as the Monarchs led at just 7-6 and 8-7 while the Pacers finished with the 25-23 win. Methodist battled through the fourth set and held the 23-20 lead. Peace tied the set at 23, but Lauren Bramble picked up a kill while Wood and Miller had a crucial block to help the Monarchs win and force a fifth set. Bramble opened the serving for Methodist and helped the Monarchs to a 5-0 lead. Methodist led 8-3 and finished with the 15-9 win on a kill by Wood.

Wood led the team with 18 kills while Washington had 14 kills and 24 digs. Miller dished out 64 assists and Rachel Evans added 14 digs.

Methodist will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to N.C. Wesleyan for a 7 p.m. match.

Box Score