Pioneers Win in Five on Senior Night

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Five sets is what it took and for senior Racquel Talley, it will be a memorable senior night as her Spartanburg Methodist College volleyball teammates rallied behind her play in a 25-13, 19-25, 33-35, 25-19, 15-10 win over Brenau on Thursday night.

Talley, who is the first senior in the program history, was one of three Pioneers with double-digit kills in the win. The Spartanburg native finished the contest with 11 kills, Makinnley Smart and Kendall Meinders added 12 and 11, respectively. Talley hit at a .500 clip as SMC recorded a .291 hitting percentage in the win as they evened their record at 17-17 on the season.

A key factor in the win on the night for SMC was its service game where they recorded a season-high 18 service aces in the win. Brook Noe had eight to lead SMC, including five in the opening set. Noe also had 26 assists and fellow setter Tristan Craine had 25 assists and three aces. Also, for the Pioneers, Brantlie Price nearly had a double double with 14 digs and nine kills on her way to a .438 hitting percentage. Aurora Aho had seven digs and five kills in the win. Braelynn Brewington pounded down seven kills and had six blocks. Adding to the all-around team win was Hana Vucinic, who had a team-high 19 digs and Leilani Campbell, who had seven kills.

Brenau (10-19) spread the attack among four players – Ashlyn Browning (16), Jomaris Maldonado (15), Malone Davis (14) and Madison McCullough (10) – who had double-digit kills in the win. Setter Nathalia Quintero was busy on the night with 53 assists and eight digs. 

The Pioneers will continue their season at next weekend's CAC Tournament where a bid for the NAIA National Tournament will be on the line. SMC and the field will take part in pool play to decide who continues its season.