FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist University volleyball team finished up its mini homestand Tuesday evening, facing Meredith College in a USA South Conference matchup. Despite a strong push in the third set, the Monarchs fell to the Avenging Angels in straight sets, 3–0, inside the March F. Riddle Center.
Final Score: Meredith def. Methodist, 3–0 (25-22, 25-20, 27-25)
Records: Methodist 11–12 (7–7 USA South), Meredith 18–7 (9–6 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Meredith gained an early advantage in the opening set, but Methodist worked to close the gap with timely offensive plays. Kills from Grace Tillery, Faith Driver and Addison Johnson helped the Monarchs stay within striking distance, while service aces from Harper Evans and Ashley Farman added to the effort. Methodist continued to battle late in the set, erasing the deficit to tie the score at 22-22. However, the Avenging Angels responded with three consecutive points to take the opening set, 25-22.
- The second set remained competitive as the Monarchs looked to even the match. Methodist found opportunities to keep pace with Meredith, with Johnson delivering back-to-back kills to help bring the score to 15-15. The Avenging Angels answered with a scoring run to regain control and create some separation. Despite the Monarchs' efforts to stay within reach, Meredith closed out the set, 25-20, to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
- Facing a sweep, Methodist put together its strongest offensive set of the evening in the third. The Monarchs continued to trade points with Meredith and rallied to tie the score at 13-13. The back-and-forth battle continued as Methodist gained momentum, taking an 18-16 lead following a kill from Tillery. Neither team was able to pull away late, as the Monarchs fought to extend the match and the score reached 24-24. Methodist briefly moved ahead, 25-24, but Meredith answered with three straight points to secure the set, 27-25, and complete the 3-0 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Johnson led the Monarchs offensively with 10 kills and 12 digs, recording a double-double. Tillery added seven kills, while Driver contributed five.
- Evans paced the Methodist offense with 24 assists and added two service aces.
- Farman also recorded two aces while leading the defensive effort with 16 digs, followed by Johnson with 12 and Payten Bracey with eight.
- As a team, Methodist finished with 31 kills, 29 assists and 10 service aces. The Monarchs' strongest offensive showing came in the third set, when the team recorded 13 kills.
Up Next
Methodist embarks on its final road trip of the regular season, starting with a USA South Tri-Match hosted at Brevard College on Friday, October 30. The Monarchs will first face off against Mary Baldwin University before taking on the Tornados at 2 and 4 PM, respectively.
