FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist volleyball team battled William Peace University for five sets Saturday afternoon in a USA South matchup at the March F. Riddle Center. The Monarchs twice rallied to even the match but ultimately fell to the Pacers, 3–2
Final Scores: William Peace def. Methodist, 3–2 (25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 23-25, 15-9)
Records: Methodist 3–6 (1–1 USA South), William Peace 6–4 (2–0 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- William Peace took control early in the opening set, building a lead before Methodist battled back behind kills from senior Savannah Hovander, sophomore Grace Tillery, and sophomore Addison Johnson. Following a four-point spurt by each side, making the score 17–13, the Pacers pulled away late to take the first set, 25–16.
- Methodist responded in the second set in a big way, jumping out to a 17–6 lead with Hovander, Johnson, sophomore Ashley Farman, and junior Kassidy Edge leading the charge offensively. Despite the deficit, William Peace didn't back down and eventually pulled within one point, 24–23. Fortunately for the Monarchs, freshman Harper Evans set up a great pass to Hovander, who got the kill and sealed the first set win for Methodist.
- William Peace answered in the third set, hitting .474 as a team while committing just two attack errors. The Pacers built an early advantage and maintained control throughout the set, taking a 2–1 lead with a 25–15 victory.
- The Monarchs once again refused to go quietly, battling back in the fourth set. Methodist received kills from Faith Driver, Hovander, Tillery, and Johnson while getting strong serving from Evans and sophomore Addison Yates. The Monarchs eventually pulled ahead and held off the Pacers to take the set, 25–23, forcing a decisive fifth set.
- William Peace jumped ahead early in the fifth set and maintained the advantage. Methodist continued to battle, with Driver and Johnson recording kills, but the Pacers closed out the set, 15–9, to take the five-set victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Hovander led the Monarchs with 17 kills while adding three service aces and two blocks.
- Tillery recorded nine kills and a team-high six blocks, while Johnson added nine kills, 15 digs and two service aces.
- Evans directed the Methodist offense with 31 assists and added 12 digs and two service aces.
- Payten Bracey paced the Monarchs defensively with 19 digs, while Yates finished with nine digs and two assists.
UP NEXT
Methodist finishes up its current three-match homestand on Wednesday, September 23, hosting North Carolina Wesleyan University. First serve is scheduled for 7 PM.
