November 1, 2005
Four straight! Methodist advances in USA South with 3-1 victory over Peace

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – After closing out the 2005 regular season with a flourish, the Methodist Monarch volleyball team continued its momentum in the quarterfinals of the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament on Wednesday. The Monarchs made it four straight victories with a 30-23, 30-25, 23-30, 30-28 over Peace at the Riddle Center.

Methodist improves to 17-12 overall, and it’s the most victories in a season for Methodist since 1992.

The Monarchs rode the power of senior outside hitter Jennifer Ellis. She recorded 22 kills and 13 digs for the Lady Monarchs, while setter Megan Friend recorded 34 assists and had five service aces. Danielle Dorman added 11 digs, followed by Tammie Langston with 10 digs.

After breezing through the first two games, Methodist had no answer for Peace middle hitter Lindsey Kabbes in game two as she dominated the net to force game four. Methodist trailed by four points in game four, but rallied behind the serving of Langston, Ellis and Taylor Powers. The Monarchs clinged to a one-point lead and won it on a Peace attack error.

Kabbes had 21 kills for Peace (12-20), while Carrie Conner and Kesley Midgett each added nine kills. Defensively, Jordan Morris recorded 19 digs, followed by Victoria Bryant with 16 digs and Kabbes added 14 digs.

Methodist advances to the USA South Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2002. The Monarchs play at Greensboro on Friday at 7 p.m.