NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Meredith 3, Pfeiffer 2
Records: Meredith, 19-7 (10-6 USA South); Pfeiffer, 4-20 (3-13 USA South)
RALEIGH, N.C. - On a day in which it honored its three seniors, Meredith volleyball celebrated on the court as well, rallying past Pfeiffer in five sets on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh.
In a back-and-forth battle, the Avenging Angels emerged victorious, fighting back after dropping the first and third sets to claw their way back into the match and overtake the Falcons in the deciding set.
Senior outside hitter
Caitlyn Russell delivered an outstanding performance, recording 20 kills, including the match-clincher in the fifth set. Russell also contributed defensively, as well, recording another double-double thanks to 16 digs while also adding four block assists.
Fellow senior
Megan Murray led the way with 26 digs and also added a pair of service aces and five assists.
Jeallen Holland earned the start and recorded a kill on her Senior Day.
Freshmen
Scarlet Griffin (24) and
Kaiden Hawkins (22) combined for 46 assists, with Hawkins' mark of 22 giving her a season high.
Pfeiffer was unstoppable offensively in the first set, hitting a remarkable .324 and totaling 16 kills as a team to take the set 25-19.
However, in what would become a trend, Meredith responded immediately by taking control of the second set in the early going and separating from Pfeiffer to close it out at 25-18.
Unfortunately, the back-and-forth continued as the Falcons stunned the Angels in the third set, racing out to a 7-0 advantage early. While Meredith recovered to eventually take the lead, the Falcons again showed resiliency to overtake MC and win the set.
The fourth set saw Meredith regain its footing once again, racing out to a big lead and leaving no doubt in a 25-11 fourth set victory that flipped the momentum squarely on its side heading to the deciding fifth set.
Playing in just its fourth five-setter of the season, the Avenging Angels improved their record to 3-1, outlasting Pfeiffer in a back-and-forth battle, capped off by Russell's 20th kill of the match to seal the win.
The victory sets the stage for the Raleigh rivalry clash at home, set for this Tuesday, November 3 at 6 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
- With the score knotted at 7-7 in the fifth set, Meredith reeled off five points in a row to take control of the set and match.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Russell delivered a tremendous all-around Senior Day performance, with 20 kills, 16 digs and four block assists.
- Murray led the way with 26 digs and also added a pair of service aces.
SENIOR DAY:
- Prior to the match,
Caitlyn Russell,
Megan Murray and
Jeallen Holland were honored for their contributions to the program.
