Box Score Raleigh, NC – The Greensboro College's Women's Volleyball team competed this afternoon in the USA South Conference Tournament Championship on the road against Meredith College. The Pride were looking to win the program's first conference championship in over 25 years. When the two sides squared off in the regular season, each match was ultra-competitive, with both going to five sets. This go around it would be more of the same as this championship match would also go the distance.
In the first set both teams would trade points before the Pride started to settle in. Greensboro held an 8-4 lead through the first twelve points. Meredith would battle and bring the score close but after some key defensive plays from Morgan Mayfield and Taylor Cotie, the Pride would take a 20- 17 lead into the last five points. Greensboro had the momentum, but Meredith came storming back and would eventually tie the game at 24-24. With key kills from Krista Brantley and Payton Shiflet, the Pride would win the first set 31-29 and take a 1-0 match lead.
The second started out close like the first set did but then Greensboro showed why they were a top team in the conference. After Meredith took a 6-4 lead, the Pride would go on a run. They would dominate the middle game and take a 15-10 lead into the final ten points. The Pride would finish the set by scoring two points to every Meredith one point and win the second set 25-16. The pride would take a 2-0 match lead in the conference championship game.
The third set, with their season on the line, Meredith played an almost perfect game. The Pride would battle in the beginning and were only down two through the first 14 points. It was at this point where Meredith would prove why they were the first overall seed and take a commanding 17-8 lead before winning the set 25-12. This set would give Meredith life as the pride only led the match 2-1.
To begin the fourth set the Pride would respond well to the shift in momentum and take an early 5-4 lead. The rest of the match would stay close, but Meredith would hold a steady for the remainder of the match. The Pride would attempt a comeback down 18-11 and score seven of the sets next eight points. After a clutch Grace Klingensmith service ace, the Pride only found themselves down 19-18. However, Meredith would stop the Pride comeback attempt and go on to win the set 25-19 to tie the match up at 2-2.
The fifth and final set came down the wire. Both teams would trade points all the way through the first ten points. With the score tied 9-9, Meredith would go on to take the lead and despite the Pride's best chances would hold the lead the rest of the way. Meredith would win the fifth set 15-12, winning the USA South Volleyball Conference tournament. The Pride played great all match long but were unable to close it out and win the championship.
While the Pride came up just short of their ultimate goal, the season was nothing but a success. The Pride will lose two key players to graduation but have plenty of positive momentum going into next year. Payton Shiflet was named USA South Player of the Year and Morgan Mayfield was named USA South Rookie of the Year. Look out for more updates about Greensboro College Volleyball as the team regroups for 2024.
Alex Trepper - Athletics Communications Intern
