LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA – The William Peace University volleyball team saw their season come to an end on Friday, falling to Averett University in the opening round of the USA South Tournament. The Pacers tied the match at one set apiece with a 28-26 win in the second set, but the Cougars turned it on in the third and went on to win, 3-1.

WPU finishes the year 19-14, the second highest single-season win total in program history, following the 25-23, 26-28, 25-15, 25-20 loss to the North's top seed. The Pacers, seeded fourth in the north, also set a record with four players named to All-Conference teams earlier this week.

Laura Bland led the Pacers with eight kills and two block assists, while Lindsay Alford added seven kills and three block assists. Liana Solomon posted five kills and a double-double of 14 assists and 13 digs.  Kennedey Paine led the team with 18 assists. Carson Williams finished with a team high 21 digs.

In the final match of their careers, seniors Merica Ivey and Connor Davis recorded six kills apiece. Ivey also notched five block assists to go along with a block solo, and Davis chipped in nine digs and a block assist. Senior Maddie Irvin added five digs for a career total of 1,630, ranking her as the Pacers' all-time leader.

Hannah Shields, the USA South Conference Player of the Year, willed Averett to victory with 29 kills and 12 digs. The conference's Rookie of the Year, Keenan Marks, did her part with 53 assists, seven digs, five kills and four service aces.

The Cougars advance to play Maryville tomorrow at noon in the semifinal round. 

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.