DANVILLE, VA. – The William Peace Volleyball team opened their season Saturday at Averett's 20th annual Cougar Classic against ODAC opponents Roanoke and Guilford. The Pacers fell to Roanoke in three sets but bounced back for a three set victory over the Quakers.
WPU took Roanoke down in five sets at last year's Cougar Classic, but the Maroons got the best of them this time around taking the match in straight sets. The Pacers did the best they could in the third to extend the match after dropping set one, 25-21, and set two, 25-16, but eventually fell, 28-26.
Nicole Phillips had a team high 11 kills while Baylee Maughon collected 32 assists as they both made their collegiate debut. Maddie Irvin paced the way defensively with 14 digs. Carson Williams had 12 digs and a service ace in her collegiate debut.
The Pacers looked much better in their second matchup of the day against Guilford. WPU escaped with a 27-25 win in the first set, but they decided to make things a bit easier on themselves winning the next two, 25-19 and 25-16.
2013 USA South all-conference selection Megan Mansfield led the way offensively with 13 kills at a clip of .450. Maughon collected 30 assists in the match while Irvin and Williams combined for 19 digs to lead the defensive efforts. Irvin also had four service aces in the match.
WPU volleyball returns to action on Sunday at the Cougar Classic with matches against Central (Iowa) and another ODAC opponent in Hollins.
Stay up to date with William Peace Athletics via social media: Like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
