FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Avenging its conference tournament loss from last season, the Methodist volleyball team earned a much-needed USA South victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating William Peace 3–1 inside the March F. Riddle Center.
Final scores: Methodist def. William Peace, 3–1 (25–15, 21–25, 25–15, 25-18)
Records: Methodist 9–10 (4–3 USA South), William Peace 7–10 (0–5 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
How It Happened
- Methodist came out strong in the opening set, jumping to a quick 7–1 lead behind three kills from freshman Addison Johnson, as well as a service ace from senior Jamie Holton. The Monarchs kept the pressure on after a William Peace timeout, continuing to build their advantage with a balanced attack that featured contributions across the front line. Peace managed to string together a small run midway through the frame, but Methodist quickly responded, pushing the score to 20–13. From there, the Monarchs closed the door, using kills from Savannah Hovander, a junior, and Holton to set up set point before a block by Hovander sealed the 25–15 victory.
- The second set was back-and-forth from the opening serve, as neither team was able to create separation early on. Methodist built narrow leads behind kills from Holton (3), Johnson (3), and sophomore Carlyn Tanis (2), but William Peace continued to answer and eventually pulled even at 16–16. Momentum shifted after that point, as Peace strung together several points and forced Methodist into a pair of timeouts. The Monarchs stayed within striking distance, closing the gap to 20–18 after a Tanis kill, but Peace capitalized late to close out the frame, 25–21, evening the match at one set apiece.
- Methodist regained control in the third set with a strong all-around performance. The Monarchs used an early burst, highlighted by back-to-back service aces from Hovander, to build a small cushion. A balanced attack from Holton, Tanis, and Johnson extended the lead to 14–9, forcing William Peace to call a timeout. The break did little to slow Methodist's momentum, as the Monarchs continued to capitalize on errors while mixing in timely kills to push the score to 20–13. Tanis and Johnson added points late, and Hovander finished the set with a kill to seal the 25–15 win, putting Methodist back in front two sets to one.
- The Monarchs carried that energy into the fourth, opening with a 10–5 lead on strong swings from Hovander and Johnson. William Peace attempted to rally, but Methodist responded with clutch kills from Tanis and a service ace from Holton to maintain control. Up 21–16 late, Holton delivered the final blows with back-to-back kills to secure the 25–18 victory and the match in four sets.
By the Numbers
- Methodist's offense was efficient all afternoon, hitting .316 as a team and finishing with 58 total kills.
- Holton was one of four Monarchs to record double digit kills, with a game-high 17. She was followed by Hovander and Johnson, with 15 each, and Tanis with 10.
- Additionally, Holton (17 Ks and 14 Digs) and Tanis (10 Ks and 10 Digs) each registered a double-double.
- Freshman Charleigh Anne Hewett did a great job setting the ball today, tallying a game-high 47 assists.
- Junior Mary Miller led the Methodist defensive effort with 20 digs.
Up Next
The Monarchs make a quick road trip to Misenheimer on Wednesday, October 8, to face Pfeiffer University in USA South action. First serve is set for 7 PM.
