NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Southern Virginia 3, Meredith 1
Records: Meredith, 12-3 (3-2 USA South); Southern Virginia, 2-5 (1-1 USA South)
RALEIGH, N.C. - Meredith volleyball battled to the end but fell in a hard-fought four-set match to Southern Virginia on Saturday at the Weatherspoon Athletic Center.
Returning home after a road trip to Salem on Thursday, the Avenging Angels rallied from dropping the first set to take the second set in dominant fashion. However, the Knight rebounded themselves, winning both the third and fourth sets to take the victory.
Freshman
Saline Spalding had a breakout performance for Meredith, leading the way with a season-best 12 kills on a .310 hitting percentage. Senior
Caitlyn Russell was in double digits as usual, recording 11 kills as the only other Angel to reach double figures in the category.
The freshmen setters each delivered strong performances, with
MarLee Dellinger delivering a season-best 22 assists while
Scarlet Griffin added 17.
Senior libero
Megan Murray reached the 20-dig mark for the eight time this season, tallying 25 to lead the way for Meredith.
The Knights raced out to a quick 7-1 lead and never looked back in the opening set. The Avenging Angels were undeterred, however, as they flipped the script in a dominant second set. MC recorded 18 kills as a team with a .308 hitting percentage.
While they took the second set by a 25-19 margin, the Angels were unable to capitalize on the momentum, with the Knight regaining their footing and delivering a dominant third set win. The fourth and final set was a back-and-forth battle that went into extra points to decide. Unfortunately, the Knights emerged victorious to clinch the match in four sets.
Up next, Meredith will host a mid week matchup, taking on Methodist this Tuesday, September 29 at 6 p.m. inside Weatherspoon.
TURNING POINT:
- After the two sides split the opening two sets, Southern Virginia took the upper hand for good with a third set victory.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Spalding tallied a season-best 12 kills.
- Dellinger added a season-high 22 assists.
ALUMNAE APPRECIATION DAY:
- Meredith volleyball welcomed numerous alumnae back to campus on Saturday.
