NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Meredith 3, Methodist 0
Records: Meredith, 18-7 (9-6 USA South); Methodist, 11-12 (7-7 USA South)
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Meredith volleyball got back on the winning track on Tuesday night, taking down Methodist in a 3-0 sweep on the road in Fayetteville.
The Avenging Angels displayed a dominant effort in the first two sets before eking out a closely contested third set to close out the match.
It was an all around offensive effort for Meredith, with four players tallying between five and nine kills.
Caitlyn Russell led with nine kills while also contributing defensively with nine digs.
Freshman
Saline Spalding delivered a solid performance, with eight kills on a .500 hitting percentage to go with a pair of block assists. Fellow freshman
Elena Bostick also added eight kills while
Daven Brabble totaled five kills on a .625 hitting percentage.
The freshmen setters also displayed a solid performance, as
MarLee Dellinger (16) and
Scarlet Griffin (13) combined for 29 of the team's 37 assists. Griffin put forward her sixth double-double of the season and her second of the season against Methodist.
The first set saw the Avenging Angels race out to a big early lead to grab control. However, the Monarchs kept chipping away and eventually knotted the score at 22 apiece. Meredith then responded with a quick 3-0 run to close out the set, coming on three kills from three different players (Russell, Spalding,
Reagan Kresho).
Riding the momentum of their strong end to the opening set, MC once again took the early advantage. This time, they held Methodist at arm's length and won the set 25-20.
Looking to earn the sweep over Methodist for the second time this season, the Angels and Monarchs traded big runs throughout the third set. With Meredith ahead 24-22, the Monarchs fought off a trio of match points. Meredith clinched the match on their fourth match point, winning 27-25 to take thier ninth conference win of the season.
Up next, Meredith will return home and host Pfeiffer this Saturday, October 31 at 12 p.m. The program will honor its three seniors (
Caitlyn Russell,
Megan Murray,
Jeallen Holland) prior to the match.
TURNING POINT:
- Despite Methodist fighting off three match points in the third set, the Avenging Angels prevailed 27-25 to earn the sweep.
STANDOUT PERFROMANCES:
- Spalding was second on the team with eight kills and a .500 hitting percentage.
- Griffin tallied another double double, with 13 assists and 12 digs.
NEWS AND NOTES:
- The Avenging Angels dispatched the Monarchs in straight sets in both matchups this season.
