SMC Volleyball Picks Up Pair of Wins

Winston-Salem, N.C. – Spartanburg Methodist College won two of three matches in straight sets, defeating Johnson & Wales (N.C.) and Livingstone College before falling in three to host Carolina University on Friday.

The day began with a 25-15, 25-15, 25-14 victory over Johnson & Wales (N.C.), as SMC hit .269 in the sweep. Kendall Meinders and Aurora Aho each tallied nine kills, while Brook Noe dished out 18 assists. Fellow setter Tristan Craine contributed nine assists, eight digs, and three service aces. Arielle Deas also added three service aces, and Hana Vucinic anchored the defense with 17 digs.

In their second match of the day, the Pioneers rolled to a 25-15, 25-20, 25-22 win over NCAA Division II opponent Livingstone College. The difference-maker was the service game, as SMC delivered 17 aces. Deas led the charge with six, while Meinders and Craine added four apiece. Aho and Vucinic nearly recorded double-doubles, with Aho posting 11 kills and nine digs, and Vucinic registering 17 digs and nine kills.

The third match of the day saw SMC fall 19-25, 15-25, 18-25 to host Carolina University. In the previous two meetings, matches were decided in five sets. Hana Vucinic led the Pioneers with eight kills and nine digs, while Aurora Aho added five kills, three digs, and two service aces. Kendall Meinders contributed six kills, finishing with a .250 hitting percentage.

The pair of wins improved the Pioneers' record to 3-8 on the season as they prepare to open conference play next Friday, Sept. 19, against nationally ranked Reinhardt.