BELTON, Texas. Two tough outings for the Methodist volleyball team resulted in two losses on Saturday — one at the hands of Hardin–Simmons University and another at the hands of the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor.
Final scores: Hardin–Simmons def. Methodist, 3–0 (25–14, 25–12, 25–14); Mary Hardin–Baylor def. Methodist, 3–0 (25–14, 25–17, 25–17)
Records: Methodist 5–7, Hardin–Simmons 8–2, Mary Hardin–Baylor 9–1
Event: Mary Hardin–Baylor Tournament
Host: University of Mary Hardin–Baylor
Location: Mayborn Campus Center; Belton, Texas
Game One
The Monarchs struggled to win the battle at the net. Errors outweighed kills in the second and third sets, resulting in negative hitting percentages. For the first time this season, Methodist was held without a block. Hardin–Simmons proved to be highly skilled at receiving the ball, committing just two receiving errors (a season low for Methodist opponents) while the Monarchs were able to record only two service aces (a season low for the team).
Jamie Holton led both teams with eight kills during the match, while
Charleigh Anne Hewett's 13 assists were a team high.
Game Two
Methodist was again out–hit during the team's second match of the day, recording a season–low 18 kills during the match while being led by
Addison Johnson, who finished with six. The Monarchs never possessed a lead in the first two sets but did get ahead in the third set. Holton won the first point for Methodist with a service ace, then two kills each for Johnson,
Savannah Hovander and
Carlyn Tanis helped the Monarchs stay step for step with Mary Hardin–Baylor up to a 13–13 tied score. From there, the home team pulled away.
Highlights
Holton was one of 13 players named to the All–Tournament team, marking her second All–Tournament selection this season (with her first coming at the Cougar Classic hosted by Averett University).
Up Next
The Monarchs have wrapped up the non–conference portion of their season and will begin USA South play on Wednesday, Sept. 17 with a match at Greensboro College at 7 p.m.
