Watch: WPU vs. Methodist

RALEIGH, NC – The William Peace University volleyball team was back at the Hermann Athletic Center Tuesday night, as Head Coach Kevin Daniels earned career win no. 100 in a four-set victory over Methodist University, 25-17, 25-21, 20-25, 26-24.

"100 wins is definitely something to be proud of. It wasn't pretty, but we'll take it." Daniels said. "We did some things well tonight, but there is a lot of room to grow at every position, and If we can play to our potential more consistently, I think we're a tough team to beat." 

WPU (8-4, 2-1 USAS) looked strong out of the gate and took the opening set, 25-17, but the Monarchs gave the Pacers all they could handle the rest of the way.

The second set was tied 13 times to go along with eight lead changes, and neither team led by more than two points until the Pacers went on a 3-0 spurt to close it out, 25-21. But on the verge of being swept, Methodist (7-4, 2-1 USAS) fought to win the third set, 25-21, and nearly forced WPU to a fifth. 

Despite only a four-point margin of victory, the third set wasn't as close as the final score indicated, and Methodist had the Pacers on the ropes with a 16-6 lead in the fourth. A timely 6-0 swing in favor of the Pacers cut the deficit to three though (17-14), and with the pressure shifted back to their side of the court, the Monarchs never fully recovered. WPU used a 5-0 run and won seven of the final eight points to close out the match, 26-24.

Laura Bland was one of three Pacers with double-digit kills, recording a team high 15, to go along with five digs and two block assists. Liana Solomon registered 22 assists, 11 kills, seven digs and three services aces, while Tempestt Frazier added 11 more kills and a pair of block assists. Freshman Kennedey Paine notched a team high 23 assists, eight digs and a service ace. Maddie Irvin led the team with 18 digs, three service aces and two assists.

The WPU volleyball team will be back at home again this Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:00 p.m., as they host North Carolina Wesleyan.

Live video coverage and live stats will be available for the match.

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

         

WPU Volleyball 3, Methodist 1