RALEIGH, N.C.  - The William Peace University volleyball battled back from a two-set deficit to defeat cross-town rival Meredith College, 3-2 (19-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 15-10), inside Weatherspoon Gymnasium.

After a slow start, the Pacers found their rhythm in the third set, powered by key swings from Aubrey Chesson and Jordyn Chinigo, who combined for 23 kills on the night. Peace clawed their way through a tense fourth set to force a decisive fifth, but the match took an emotional turn when senior middle blocker Tameka Adams suffered a game-ending injury late in the fourth.

Despite the setback, the Pacers rallied around their senior leader. Behind strong serving from Maegan Brylski and clutch defensive efforts from Gracie Payne (24 digs), Peace carried their momentum into the fifth set, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back to secure the rivalry win.

Chesson led the Pacers with 14 kills, while Chinigo hit a stellar .600 with nine kills on 15 attempts. Brylski added 35 assists and four service aces, while Aaliyah Anderson and Sarah Yates combined for 10 blocks at the net.

With the victory, Peace improves to 8-10 (1-5 USA South), while Meredith falls to 11-7 (5-3 USA South). The Pacers will return to action this Friday as they continue conference play, hosting Salem College for a 6 PM match up.