DANVILLE, VA – The William Peace University volleyball team traveled to Averett University Friday night, where the Pacers dropped a five-set thriller to the Cougars, who remain undefeated sitting atop the USA South's East Division.

After dropping the opening set, 25-19, the Pacers cruised to a 25-8 win in the second. The Cougars went back ahead with a 25-21 win in the third, but WPU took the fourth, 25-21, thanks to an 11-1 run midway through the set. The Pacers jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the fifth. Averett stole the momentum with an 8-1 run though and went on to close it out, 15-11.

Laura Bland, Mya Parks and Liana Solomon all recorded double-doubles for the Pacers (18-7, 9-4 USAS). Bland notched a team high 15 kills to go with 16 digs, while Parks posted 13 kills, a team high 18 digs and four block assists. Solomon racked up 41 assists, 14 digs, three service aces, one kill, one block solo and a block assist. Tempestt Frazier finished with 10 kills and seven block assists. Lennoria Holmes added eight kills, five block assists, two block solos and a pair of digs.

Reigning Conference Player of the Year Hannah Shields led the way for Averett (19-7, 11-0 USAS) with 29 kills, 15 digs, a service ace and a block assist. Sarah Smoot and Brianna Williams both had 10 kills apiece. Kenan Marks turned in 54 assists, 12 digs and two service aces.

The WPU volleyball team is back in action next Saturday, October 22 when they host Mary Baldwin at noon followed by Emory & Henry at 4:00 p.m.

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