FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Returning to the Riddle Center for the first time since the season opener on March 6, Methodist volleyball was defeated by visiting Averett University, 3-0, in USA South Athletic Conference action Tuesday evening.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Averett def. Methodist, 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-14)
Records: Methodist 1-3 (1-3 USA South), Averett (7-2, 4-0)
Location: Riddle Center; Fayetteville, N.C.

GAME NOTES

• The Monarchs showed great resolve in the second set. After falling behind 9-1 in the set, Methodist recovered to cut the deficit down to just one point, 13-12. Kaeli Ryan's kill for the 12th point was the punctuation of a 7-1 Methodist run.
• A kill and a service ace from Megan Andrews tied the game at 17 but the next five points (and eventually the set) went to Averett.
• The third set was defined by two separate 7-0 runs by the Cougars, the difference in the 25-14 win for Averett. A 5-1 Methodist run that cut the deficit to 17-13 was sandwiched by the Cougars' 7-0 runs. The first run saw the Cougars' extend their lead from 9-8 to 16-8 and the second run gave Averett match point with the score at 24-13.
• Megan Andrews' kill gave the Monarchs an 8-7 lead in the first set but Averett went on a 6-0 run that included four consecutive kills to take a 13-8 edge. The Cougars reached match point, thanks to an 8-1 string that ballooned a 16-12 score to 24-13.
• Andrews, Ryan, and Erica East had a team-high five kills. Kendall Craig and Leann Sessoms had four. Hannah Hewett led with 18 assists. Hewett also had nine digs, second only to the 11 from Maddie Barga.
• For the Cougars, Lauren Montren had a game-high 16 kills.

UP NEXT

• Senior Night will be March 25 as Thursday will be the Monarchs' final home contest when they host Pfeiffer University in league play at 7 p.m.
• The Cougars have a non-conference matchup against Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, Virginia, on March 25 at 6 p.m.