WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. The Methodist University volleyball team traveled to Salem College on Tuesday evening for a USA South Conference matchup. Despite taking an early lead in the second set, the Monarchs were unable to overcome the home team, falling to Salem in straight sets, 3–0, at Varsity Gym.
Final Score: Salem def. Methodist, 3–0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-17)
Records: Methodist 13–13 (9–8 USA South), Salem 22–6 (13–4 USA South)
Location: Varsity Gym; Winston-Salem, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening set was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team holding more than a two-point advantage through the first 22 points. During that stretch, six different Methodist players recorded a kill, led by sophomore Addison Johnson with three. Salem then shifted the momentum in its favor, using an 8–1 run to build a 19–12 advantage. The Monarchs responded down the stretch, outscoring the home team to cut into the deficit, but Salem held off the comeback attempt to take the opening set, 25–20.
- Despite dropping the first set, Methodist responded early in the second, jumping out to a 5–2 lead behind sophomore Grace Tillery, who recorded a kill and a block. The Monarchs maintained their offensive pressure, with senior Savannah Hovander adding three kills and senior Faith Driver contributing two as Methodist extended its advantage to 17–12. Salem began to chip away at the deficit, using a 6–3 run to pull within two at 20–18. The home team then closed the set with seven consecutive points, completing the comeback with a 25–23 win and taking a two-set lead.
- Salem carried that momentum into the third set, jumping out to a 19–9 advantage. Kills from Johnson, junior Kassidy Edge, and freshman Harper Evans helped the Monarchs cut into the deficit, but Salem maintained control to close out the set, 25–17, and secure the 3–0 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Johnson led the Methodist offense with 12 kills while also recording 12 digs to earn a double-double.
- Evans directed the Monarchs' offense with a game-high 21 assists.
- Defensively, sophomore Ashley Farman paced Methodist with 17 digs.
Up Next
Methodist returns to Fayetteville to close out the regular season on Saturday, November 7, hosting Southern Virginia University. The Monarchs will celebrate Senior Day before the match, with the ceremony scheduled ahead of the noon opening serve.
