Pioneers Shine on Senior Day with Sweep of Columbia (S.C.)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Spartanburg Methodist College volleyball team honored its seven seniors in pre-match festivities and delivered one of its best all-around performances of the season, defeating Columbia (S.C.) 26-24, 25-10, 25-15.

The Pioneers dominated statistically, hitting an impressive .308 for the match with just seven attack errors. Braelynn Brewington led the offense with 11 kills and a .688 hitting percentage as SMC improved to 13-19 overall and 8-11 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play. Leilani Campbell and Hana Vucinic each added seven kills.

SMC also tallied seven service aces and nine total blocks. Brewington, Kendall Meinders, and Rebekah Martin each contributed four blocks to anchor the frontline defense.

Columbia's Maranda Bird led the visiting Koalas with 12 kills and a .226 hitting percentage.

The opening set was the most competitive of the match, featuring three ties before SMC pulled out a 26-24 win. Brewington, Campbell, and Vucinic each recorded three kills in the frame, while Arielle Deas added six digs.

The Pioneers took control in the second set, hitting .400 behind four kills from Vucinic, three from Brewington, and two apiece from Campbell and Aurora Aho. Brewington paced the third set with five kills, and Meinders added three to seal the sweep.

Head coach Makayla Holcombe praised her team's effort and composure on senior night. "I couldn't be prouder of how our team competed tonight," Holcombe said. "Our seniors have poured so much into this program, and it was special to see them finish their home careers with such a complete performance. The energy, teamwork, and focus were exactly what we've been striving for all season."

Next up, Spartanburg Methodist will make its first-ever appearance in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament.