ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- With three double-digit defensive performances and 59 digs overall, the Meredith College volleyball team shutdown the N.C. Wesleyan Battling Bishops 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-14) in Tuesday night's USA South action. And rookie Hailey Long notched a match-high 16 kills with no errors to hit .727 on the night.

Early action in the first two sets remained close until the Avenging Angels pulled away. In the first stanza Ally Copenhaver kicked off a 6-1 rally to give MCVB the lead, and Lauren Grodi followed with a quick point to send the Angels on an 11-3 run to finish off the hosts for good.

Copenhaver hit back-to-back kills in the second frame to reset Meredith's attack for an 8-2 rally to take a 12-9 lead. Avery Bowman set up Long for two-of-three kills midway through the set, and Meredith pulled away again for a 12-3 finish.

The Avenging Angels had no issues knocking off the deflated Bishops squad in the third to complete the sweep for an early night.

Lauren Phillips led the Angels defense with 17 digs, with Bowman and Samantha Smith grabbing 10 apiece. Bowman recorded another double-double dishing out 25 assists, and Grodi assisted with 12 on the night. Emily Skoglund posted nine digs, and Copenhaver finished with eight kills.

The Avenging Angels host a conference tri-match Saturday beginning with Methodist at Noon and ending with Mary Baldwin at 4 p.m. Alumnae athletes can still register for Saturday's event HERE.