SMC Sweeps Warren Wilson

Swannanoa, N.C. – The Spartanburg Methodist College volleyball team completed a 25-23, 25-16, 25-20 sweep of host NCAA Division III member Warren Wilson on Tuesday night.

The Pioneers (8-10) utilized a balanced attack with eight-different players recording a kill in the win. MaKinnley Smart paced the attack with eight kills in the win, Brantlie Price and Aurora Aho added six and five, respectively. Setters Tristan Craine and Brook Noe had 11 and nine assists, respectively. SMC had 10 service aces with five from Aho, three from Noe and two from Hana Vucinic, who also had a team-high 11 digs.

In set one, the two teams traded the first six points until a solo block and kill by Smart put the visitors ahead for nearly the remainder of the set. The Pioneers built a lead as large as five on their way to the 25-23 set victory.

The second set was tied at 11 when the Pioneers went on a 9-1 run on the strength of two service aces by Aho to take control of the set. 

The third set saw the Pioneers record three service aces and 13 kills. Down 16-11, SMC head coach Makayla Holcombe called a timeout. The Pioneers responded with a 7-2 run with a kill and a pair of aces by Aho. With the set tied at 18, back-to-back kills by Vucinic and Smart put the visitors ahead for the remainder of the set on its way to a 25-20.

Next, Spartanburg Methodist College will host Life University at Bridges Arena on Friday, September 27 at 6 p.m. It is a rematch between the two teams as the Eagles won in three on Aug. 23 as part of the Running Eagle Classic in Marietta, Georgia.  

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