MISENHEIMER, N.C. The Methodist volleyball team visited Pfeiffer University on Tuesday evening for a USA South matchup. After falling into a significant deficit in the third set, the Monarchs mounted an impressive comeback before ultimately securing a 3–2 victory over the Falcons at Merner Gym.
Final Score: Methodist def. Pfeiffer, 3–2 (25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13)
Records: Methodist 9–9 (6–4 USA South), Pfeiffer 2–15 (1–9 USA South)
Location: Merner Gym; Misenheimer, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening set featured a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to establish a consistent advantage through the first 18 points as the score remained tied at 9–9. Senior Savannah Hovander and sophomore Addison Johnson helped the Monarchs create some separation, as a service ace by Hovander followed by a Johnson kill pushed Methodist ahead 12–9.
- A subsequent run extended the Monarchs' lead to 19–11, but the Falcons responded with a 10–2 surge to even the set at 22–22. Hovander came through in the closing moments, recording a kill and a service ace to secure a 25–23 opening-set victory for Methodist.
- The Monarchs again jumped out to an early lead in the second set, but Pfeiffer responded to take a 15–10 advantage. A Johnson kill and a block by Grace Tillery trimmed the deficit to 15–13, but the Falcons regained control with another run to move ahead 20–16. Methodist was unable to mount another comeback, falling 25–19 as the match evened at one set apiece.
- Pfeiffer took control early in the third set, building a 14–5 lead as the Monarchs struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Back-to-back kills by Hovander and Tillery offered a spark, but the Falcons continued to apply pressure, extending their advantage to 19–8.
- Facing a significant deficit, Methodist refused to back down. The Monarchs began chipping away with kills from Hovander, Tillery, junior Kassidy Edge, senior Faith Driver, and freshman Harper Evans. The offensive surge fueled a remarkable 15–3 run, capped by a block from Hovander and Johnson that gave Methodist a 23–22 lead.
- Pfeiffer answered with a point to even the score, but Hovander delivered once again, recording a kill before serving up an ace to seal the 25–23 set victory. The ace marked the 100th of Hovander's collegiate career.
- The fourth set followed a similar pattern, as Pfeiffer built a commanding 16–8 lead. The teams traded points before Methodist put together a three-point run to cut the deficit to 23–18. This time, however, the Falcons held off the comeback attempt, taking two of the final three points to win 25–19 and force a decisive fifth set.
- The teams traded points early in the deciding set before kills from Hovander and Johnson helped Methodist take a 12–9 lead. Pfeiffer responded with three consecutive points to even the score at 12–12, setting up a tense finish. The Monarchs claimed three of the final four points, with Tillery delivering the match-winning kill to secure the 15–13 victory and complete the five-set triumph.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Hovander led the Methodist offense with a team-high 15 kills, recording double-digit kills for the 14th time in the last 15 matches.
- Johnson and Tillery also reached double figures with 14 and 13 kills, respectively. Tillery's 13 kills matched her career high.
- Hovander paced the match with four service aces, bringing her career total to 100.
- Evans turned in an impressive performance, narrowly missing a triple-double with 45 assists, 18 digs, and a career-high seven kills.
- Methodist controlled the net defensively, recording 10 total blocks. Tillery led the way with 3.5 blocks, including three solo blocks, while Hovander added three and Edge contributed two.
Up Next
Methodist briefly returns home before stepping out of conference play to host Johnson & Wales University Charlotte on Thursday, October 15. First serve is scheduled for 7 PM.
