DANVILLE, Va. Methodist volleyball kicked off its 2025 campaign at the 31st Annual Cougar Classic, hosted by Averett University, and came away with a 2–2 record over the two-day tournament. The Monarchs battled through a pair of five-set matches on Friday, falling to Bob Jones University before rallying to defeat Averett for their first win of the season. On Saturday, Methodist topped Guilford College in four sets before dropping its finale to McMurry University.
Final scores: Bob Jones def. Methodist, 3–2 (25–19, 21–25, 25–14, 19–25, 16-14); Methodist def. Averett, 3–2 (14–25, 22–25, 25–14, 25–20, 15–6); Methodist def. Guilford, 3–1 (16–25, 25–20, 25–18, 25–23); McMurry def. Methodist, 3–1 (25–18, 25–22, 22–25, 25–18)
Records: Methodist 2–2, Bob Jones 1–0, Averett 0–2, Guilford 2–1, McMurry 3–1
Event: 31st Annual Cougar Classic
Host: Averett University
Location: Grant Center; Danville, Virginia
Day One Recap
In the opener, Methodist went the distance against Bob Jones in a back-and-forth match. The Monarchs held a commanding 14–9 lead in the decisive fifth set but could not close it out, as the Bruins scored seven straight to take the match 3–2 (25–19, 21–25, 25–14, 19–25, 16–14). Senior Jamie Holton paced the offense with 15 kills, while junior Savannah Hovander added 14. Holton notched a career-high 20 assists, splitting setting duties with Carlyn Tanis, who finished with 17. Defensively, Holton (10), Tanis (12), and freshman Ashley Farman (11) all reached double figures in digs.
The Monarchs bounced back in the nightcap against host Averett, shaking off a slow start to complete a reverse sweep for a 3–2 win (14–25, 22–25, 25–14, 25–20, 15–6). Holton again led the attack with 19 kills, joined by Hovander (12) and Railyn Fowler (10) in double figures. At the net, Fowler and Tanis fueled the defense with seven and six blocks, respectively.
Day Two Recap
Methodist stumbled early in its Saturday morning match against Guilford, falling behind 14–0 in the first set before dropping it 25–16. The Monarchs regrouped midway through the second, using a 10–2 run to take control en route to winning the next three sets and the match, 3–1 (16–25, 25–20, 25–18, 25–23). Freshman Addison Johnson enjoyed a breakout performance with 11 kills, eight digs, and two blocks, while Tanis directed the offense with a career-best 21 assists to go along with six kills, 10 digs, five service aces, and one block.
In the finale, Methodist squared off with a strong McMurry squad. The War Hawks' efficiency at the net carried them to wins in the first two sets, before the Monarchs answered with a third-set victory. McMurry closed the door in the fourth with a .429 hitting percentage to seal a 3–1 decision (25–18, 25–22, 22–25, 25–18). Holton posted a match-high 15 kills while also adding 13 assists, and sophomore libero Jessie Gober anchored the defense with a career-high 20 digs.
Weekend Highlights
Holton opened her senior season with an impressive run, recording three straight triple-doubles to begin the year and adding a double-double in the finale. Tanis was a steady force throughout, registering double-doubles in all four matches while nearing triple-double territory on multiple occasions.
Up Next
The Monarchs return to action next weekend at the Maroon Classic, hosted by Roanoke College. Methodist will play Hollins University at 1 PM, followed by a matchup against the host Maroons at 5 PM on Friday, September 5.
