FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist volleyball team earned its second USA South victory of the season Wednesday evening, defeating North Carolina Wesleyan University in a competitive four-set match, 3–1, inside the March F. Riddle Center.
Final Scores: Methodist def. N.C. Wesleyan, 3–1 (26-24, 23-25, 25-20, 25-23)
Records: Methodist 4–6 (2–1 USA South), N.C. Wesleyan 4–8 (0–3 USA South)
Location: March F. Riddle Center; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening set immediately established the tone for the match, as Methodist and N.C. Wesleyan traded points throughout the early stages. Neither team was able to create much separation, with the Monarchs using kills from sophomore Addison Johnson, senior Savannah Hovander and sophomore Grace Tillery to stay within striking distance.
- The Battling Bishops eventually created a small advantage, but Methodist continued to answer each N.C. Wesleyan run. The Monarchs battled back to even the set and eventually forced extra points. With the score tied late, Methodist came through with the points needed to secure a 26–24 victory and take an early 1–0 lead.
- N.C. Wesleyan responded in the second set, but Methodist again refused to let the Bishops run away with the frame. The two teams continued to exchange points, with Johnson and Hovander providing offensive production while the Monarch defense kept the set within reach. The Bishops managed to hold off Methodist's late push and claimed the second set, 25–23, evening the match at one set apiece.
- Methodist came out with renewed energy in the third set and began to establish control. The Monarchs' offense found a rhythm, with Johnson, Hovander and Tillery combining for multiple kills as Methodist gradually built its advantage.
- The Monarchs maintained their lead through the middle portion of the set, using strong serving and defensive play to prevent N.C. Wesleyan from putting together a sustained run. Methodist ultimately closed out the third set, 25–20, moving back in front 2–1.
- The fourth set once again featured a back-and-forth battle. Methodist opened with the early advantage, but N.C. Wesleyan continued to answer and kept the Monarchs from pulling away.
- As the set reached its final stages, both teams traded points in a tense finish. Methodist's offense continued to produce when it needed to, while the Monarchs' defense came up with several important plays to keep the Bishops from extending the match to a fifth set.
- With the score tight late, Methodist made the final push. Johnson provided a pair of key service aces during the closing stretch before the Monarchs secured the 25–23 victory, clinching the four-set win and their first USA South victory of the season.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Sophomore Addison Johnson paced the Methodist offense with 16 kills while adding 21 digs and four service aces. Her 20.5 points were also a team best.
- Senior Savannah Hovander contributed 17 kills while hitting .279, while sophomore Grace Tillery added a career-high 11 kills and a team-high four total blocks.
- Freshman Harper Evans directed the Methodist offense with 30 assists and added 21 digs, a career-high.
- Sophomore Payten Bracey anchored the Monarch defense with a career-high 25 digs. Johnson and Evans each finished with 21 digs, while sophomore Ashley Farman contributed 15.
- As a team, Methodist recorded 59 kills, 54 assists and 96 digs. The Monarchs also finished with seven service aces and six total blocks.
- Methodist's strongest offensive set came in the third, when the Monarchs recorded a .265 hitting percentage while limiting N.C. Wesleyan to a .108 clip.
UP NEXT
Methodist heads to Greensboro College on Saturday, September 26, for a tri-match. The Monarchs open the day against host Greensboro in USA South action at noon before facing Sweet Briar College in a non-conference matchup at 2 PM.
