Pioneers Perfect in Region 10 Play
The Spartanburg Methodist Pioneers were back at home to host the SMC Classic. USC Lancaster, USC Sumter, and Monroe College (NY) were in attendance. SMC went 2-1 after picking up another win against Lancaster and remaining undefeated in Region 10 play.
USC Lancaster
A tight turn around and a quick rematch with Lancaster started the Pioneers play at the SMC Classic on Friday evening. SMC downed the Lancers once again in three sets with standout performances from Zuzanna Michalska and Marrit Preusting. The international duo combined for 18 kills and hit well over .300 individually.
Monroe College
Starting off day two of the classic, Monroe and SMC went at it for the second time this season. Monroe came out of the gate strong and aggressive and took the first set in a swift 25-13 victory. With some lineup adjustments- SMC bounced back and was neck and neck with Monroe the second half of the second set. Kylie Ward Miller stepped up off the bench and made a difference in the offense. Set three was a battle and Monroe and SMC went point for point for most of the set. Just a few unforced errors on SMC’s part could have taken them into a fourth set.
USC Sumter
With Mya Johnson and Katelyn Brown getting the start for the Pioneers, it was smooth sailing to a 25-10 first set victory. Middles Kendall Meinders and Tori Barr paced the offense in the second set both hitting over .200. It was not until a breakdown in communication and increased service and hitting errors allowed Sumter to claim the third set in dramatic 24-26 fashion. Going back to a SMC’s traditional lineup- the Pioneers won quickly in four.
“Very happy with most of our play this weekend. We are defeating the teams we are supposed to while getting many different lineups on the court. We are still stuck in this grey area of almost being able to compete with the next level in D1, and still beating ourselves. These moments are good so we can learn and grow but having them as consistent as we are, is creating more work on us. I am excited to get back in the gym and clean up some skills in preparation for the week to come. We play Wednesday, Friday-Saturday, then Monday again so not much rest time. The girls have been working hard and I am very proud to be their coach.”
