GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College volleyball team defeated crosstown rival Guilford College in front of a packed crowd Wednesday, 3-1.
 
Greensboro (10-6) raced out to a 7-3 lead in the opening set. Brandy Johnson and Emily Horn each recorded two kills during the run, while Shayla Moss recorded one kill and one service ace.
 
The Quakers (7-7) rallied to tie the set at eight, but the Pride used a seven-point surge to open a commanding 14-7 lead. Johnson and Evan Sherer fueled the run with one electric kill each before Samantha Kirschner and Moss brought the Greensboro faithful to their feet with a big block.
 
As the set progressed, Guilford pulled within 17-14, but Greensboro went on an 8-2 run to win the set 25-16 and take a 1-0 lead. Johnson recorded two blocks during the closing run, while Meredith Summers and Kirschner had one block each.
 
The Pride continued their momentum into the second set by jumping out to a 6-2 lead.
 
Greensboro extended their advantage to 17-7 following another 9-2 run. The Pride defense forced the Quakers into two attacking errors, but the offensive attack of Johnson, Sherer, Summers, and Moss proved to be unstoppable.
 
Greensboro did not look back, winning the set 25-13 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
 
Following a 5-1 run to open the third set for the Pride, Guilford battled back to within three points before using a 5-0 run to take an 18-16 lead.
 
After Guilford established the advantage, Greensboro used its second timeout of the set to slow down the Quakers' momentum.
 
However, Guilford went on to win the set 25-23, sending the match into a fourth set.
 
Neither team was able to pull away until the Pride pinned the Quakers' backs to the wall with a 5-0 run to establish a 23-18 lead. Moss, Sherer, and Horn each had one kill during the stretch, while Moss also recorded another block.
 
Greensboro then went on the win the match 3-1 after taking the set 25-23.
 
"Tonight was a great win and confidence booster for our girls," Head Coach Kaci Pike said. "They showed true heart and great energy the whole match.
 
"The level of play tonight sets us up nicely for the upcoming weekend of conference play. I am proud of every player for their contribution tonight."
 
Sherer finished with a match-high 14 kills, while Summers and Johnson combined for 21 kills. Darrian Bolt and Katie Clark passed for 39 combined assists. Tori Belcher had a match-high 28 digs.
 
The Pride volleyball team will return to Mayo C. Harlow Memorial Court for a USA South Athletic Conference quad-match Saturday. Greensboro will square off with the Scotties of Agnes Scott at 10 a.m. before taking on the Lions of Piedmont College at 4 p.m. For more information on Greensboro College volleyball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.