NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Brevard 3, Meredith 2
Records: Meredith, 15-4 (6-3 USA South); Brevard, 8-10 (5-3 USA South)
RALEIGH, N.C. - Meredith volleyball saw its valiant comeback effort fall just short in a five-set loss to Brevard on Friday afternoon at the Weatherspoon Athletic Center.
Despite dropping the first two sets, the Avenging Angels battled back into the match with convincing wins in the third and fourth sets to push the match to a deciding fifth. However, the Tornados were up to the task, taking the final set 15-10 to clinch the match.
Reagan Kresho delivered an outstanding performance for Meredith, recording a season-best 12 kills to lead the team. She was one of three Avenging Angels to reach double digits, joined by
Caitlyn Russell with 11 and
Elena Bostick with 10.
Serving was a strong point for MC on Friday, with 12 combined service aces, highlighted by four from
Megan Murray, who also led the way with 22 digs.
MarLee Dellinger and Russell added three apiece.
Two from Meredith eclipsed 20 assists, as
Scarlet Griffin paced the team with 23 while Dellinger added 21.
Although the first two sets went down to the wire, the Tornados emerged victorious in both to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
Meredith, however, decided to leave no doubt in the third and fourth sets, cruising to wins of 25-18 and 25-17 to force the deciding fifth. Outside hitter
Karaleigh Dodson entered the match in the third set and provided a spark, with six kills the rest of the way on a better than .200 hitting percentage.
Playing just its third five-set match of the season, the Avenging Angels finally took a loss, as the Tornados separated late in the deciding set to earn the victory.
Up next, Meredith will play its next three matches on the road, beginning next Wednesday, October 14 at 6 p.m. against N.C. Wesleyan.
TURNING POINT:
- With the match tied at 2-2, Brevard turned a 9-8 deficit in th e fifth set into a 13-9 lead to take control of the match.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Murray led the team in digs (22) and service aces (4) in another strong performance.
- Kresho reached double digits in kills for the first time this season, leading the team with 12.
-
Daven Brabble added eight kills and a team-high four blocks.
NEWS AND NOTES:
- All three five-set matches for Meredith this season have been at home, owning a 2-1 record in those matches.
