DANVILLE, Va.  Methodist volleyball was unable to claim a win Friday evening in a USA South Athletic Conference tri-match, as they lost 3-0 to host Averett University followed by a 3-2 loss to Pfeiffer University, in the Grant Center.

JUST THE FACTS
Final scores: Averett def. Methodist, 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-18); Pfeiffer def. Methodist, 3-2 (20-25, 12-25, 25-21, 29-27, 15-8)
Records: Methodist 8-7 (0-3 USA South), Averett 10-2 (2-0), Pfeiffer 10-2 (2-0)
Location: Grant Center; Danville, Virginia.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The beginning, of the first set, saw the Monarchs and the Cougars going back and forth, as neither side could generate a big lead. That would change for Averett as they capped off the set, with an 8-0 run, to take a 1-0 advantage.
• Methodist, at one point, found themselves down 11-4, in the second set. That did not stop the Monarchs from inching back into the set, getting within three points a couple of times. Unfortunately, that was as close as Methodist got to the lead before falling in the set.
• Just like the first set, the third set saw both squads keeping the score close. Averett though was able to string together a 5-0 run midway through the set, to claim an 11-6 lead. Getting back within four, twice, was the best the Monarchs could do before falling to the Cougars.
• In a tightly contested first set of the second match, Methodist and Pfeiffer tied the score up eight times. A kill by Hannah Hewett, of the Monarchs, gave her team a 10-9 edge. After that, Methodist never trailed the rest of the set.
• The Monarchs came out hot, scoring the first five points, to start the second set. At one point the Falcons got back into the set, when they were within three points. Methodist though used a 4-0 & 5-0 runs to pull away.
• Pfeiffer would turn the tide in a pivotal third set. After winning the first three points, the Falcons would not relinquish that advantage for the remainder of the set. The Monarchs came within one point deep in the set, but that would be the closest they got.    
• The fourth set was a hard fought battle between both squads. With the score tied 25-25, a kill by Kendall Craig gave Methodist a 26-25 edge. Pfeiffer brought it back for a tie follow by taking a 27-26 advantage. Despite the Monarch tying the score again, it was the Falcons who end up winning the set 29-27.
• Pfeiffer kept the momentum going heading into the final set of the night. The Falcons went on a 5-0 run to start. That would be enough for them to complete the come from behind victory.

MORE TO IT

• The attack of Averett was superior to Methodist, as the Cougars had 38 kills on a .255 hitting percentage compared to the Monarchs, 26 and .059 respectively.
• Jeanana Fowler's 18 kills set a new season-high, while Geneva Barriger and Leann Sessoms matched their season-highs, with respectively 15 and 10.
• Hewett set new career-highs in both assists (55) and digs (22).
• In both matches Methodist was out blocked by Averett, 10-4, and Pfeiffer, 10-8.

UP NEXT
Methodist is back in action with its next match, taking a trip to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where it will take on host North Carolina Wesleyan College on Tuesday night.