Spartanburg Methodist College Rallies for Five-Set Win Over Carolina University

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Spartanburg Methodist College volleyball team stepped up to the challenge of its coach Makayla Holcombe, who told her team in a timeout to dig deep as they trailed in Tuesday's matchup against Carolina University.

Trailing by a 2-1 margin, the Pioneers answered the challenge to come away with a five-set win by a 22-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-10, 16-14 margin. The win raises the Pioneers record to 7-9, whereas the Bruins of Carolina fall to 3-2.

Four-different Pioneers had double-digit kills – Makinnley Smart (15), Aurora Aho (11), Kendall Meinders (10) and Brantlie Price (10) – in the win. The reigning CAC Setter of the Week Tristan Craine had 30 assists to support a hot-hitting attack for SMC, who hit .230. Craine also had 10 digs for a double-double to go along with a match-high 23 from Hana Vucinic. The frontline for SMC recorded 12 blocks

Carolina was paced by a 14-kill effort from Hayley Stull with 10 more from Kamra King in the loss. Syvannah Pooore and King had 21 and 19 assists, respectively. The Bruins posted 10 blocks in the contest.

The first set saw the two teams tied on three occasions to begin the contest. After a three-point swing put the visiting Bruins ahead 21-18 and for the rest of the set. Sarah Samuels and Hayley Stull each had three kills to give the visitors an early lead.

The second set saw the host Pioneers go on a pair of 4-1 runs on their way to a 25-20 win to even the match at a set apiece. In the set, SMC hit .417 paced by four kills from Aurora Aho.

The third set saw Carolina jump out to a 7-2 lead as they hit .308. Karli Totel and Kamra King each had four kills for the Bruins. 

The fourth set was controlled by the Pioneers, who scored the final six points on their way to a 25-10 win. Makinnley Smart had four of her 15 kills and Hana Vucinic had six of her 23 digs.

The fifth set was indicative of the match with momentum going back and forth. Facing set and match point at 14-12, the Pioneers' Leilani Campbell and Kendall Meinders teamed up for a block. Next, SMC tied the set at 14 when Kendall Meinders hammered down a kill. With the set tied for the third time, Brantlie Price served up her third ace of the match to put the Pioneers ahead 15-14. SMC secured the match, following a Carolina hitting error to bring the Bridges Arena crowd to a roar and the SMC bench on to the court in jubilation.