SMC Finds Success at WSCC Fall Bash
The Spartanburg Methodist College volleyball team comes home 3-1 after an excellent showing at the Wallace State Community College Fall Bash. The Pioneers defeated Itawamba (MS), Walters State (TN), and Chattanooga State CC (TN). They only fell to Vincennes University in four sets.
Vincennes
The Pioneers challenged the unbeaten Trailblazers by winning the first set 25-19. SMC then went onto drop the next two sets due to passing and hitting errors. Freshman Kylie Ward Miller and Callie Wzoreck entered the match and made a huge impact that sparked a competitive fourth set. Trading points with the Trailblazers- SMC ended the fourth set making two errors and losing 26-28.
Walters State
This is the second meeting between the Pioneers and the Senators this season. After suffering a heartbreaking fourth set loss to Vincennes, SMC did not let that stop them as they easily took care of business in the first and second set. Service and offensive pressure held the Senators to minimal hitting attempts. Success was seen from all hitters on the SMC side as they hit over .200 in each set.
Itawamba
Starting off bright and early on day 2 of the WSCC Fall Bash- SMC sprang to an incredible 25-11 victory in the first set against Itawamba. Service pressure left the Indians with no answer. After some lineup adjustments in the second set, SMC fell behind Itawamba early and could not catch up causing this match to go at least four. Back with the starting lineup SMC fell back into rhythm and claimed the next two in demanding fashion.
Chattanooga State
After a much-needed break between matches SMC came out without fault against the Tigers. With a libero trade between Aurora Aho and Delaney Castro due to injury, the Pioneers defense was still strong at the net and in the back court. After taking care of business the first two sets, Chattanooga came out strong in the third. Pulling ahead by five points, SMC battled to tie up the score 14-14. SMC then got on a run behind the aggressive serve of Tori Barr. SMC lead 23-19 before a string of errors let the tigers back. After trading set points at 26-26, 27-27, and lastly 28-28, SMC finished the match 30-28.
SMC freshman Marrit Preusting and Kendall Meinders were named to the WSCC Fall Bash All Tournament team for the Pioneers.
“I am extremely proud of this group. We grew up this tournament. We talk a lot about our on-court connection and that really proved to be solid against some of these tougher teams. We could’ve let Chattanooga take us to four- but we never gave and displayed how much grit and talent SMC has. All our hitters stepped up in big ways this weekend. Our setters were putting us in great positions to score, and our defense was consistent all the way around. We still have three matches this week so as much as I love to look back on a successful weekend, we must get back to work and look ahead to the rest of our season one match at a time. “
