FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Emory & Henry College Volleyball Team (4-3) split its two matches on Saturday on the campus of Methodist University. The host Monarchs defeated the Wasps by a 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-13) score in the first contest of the day but E&H responded for 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-8) victory over North Carolina Wesleyan College to round out the afternoon.

Emory & Henry struggled on the attack against Methodist, hitting just .027 (31-27-146) for the match. Sophomore outside hitter Tristen Pennington (Kingsport, Tenn.) notched a double-double with 10 kills and 17 digs while senior setter Maleah Neely (Hillsville, Va.) dished out 24 assists and had 10 digs to complete a double-double of her own.

Sophomore outside hitter Allie Evans (Frisco, Texas) had seven kills and two blocks while sophomore middle Kennady Thomason (Chattanooga, Tenn.) registered six kills and two blocks as well. Sophomore libero Emily Hinshaw (Boone, N.C.) led the Wasps defensively with 20 digs while sophomore defensive specialist Breanna Wallen (Rye Cove, Va.) had 10 digs as well.

Methodist was paced by Taylar Stafford's 9-kill, 16-dig performance while Cassidy Hayes and Ryann Appleby had seven kills each. Maggie Harris posted 30 assists while Karly KIimas recorded a match-high 22 digs.

In the second match of the day, the Wasps fared better as they hit .176 (66-30-205) as a team but fell victim to 18 service errors. Sophomore outside hitter Hannah Doss (Meadowview, Va.) had a career-high 20 kills and completed the double-double with a personal-best 13 digs. Evans was close behind with 19 kills and 11 digs for her first double-double in an E&H uniform.

Neely came within four assists of her career-high, notching 54 assist and 16 digs to go along with three service aces while senior middle Anika Constantinescu (Surrey, British Columbia, CANADA) tallied 10 kills and Hinshaw had another 20 digs and six assists.

North Carolina Wesleyan was led by Emily McLain, who put up 10 kills and nine blocks while Beth Bradham had 11 kills. Kayla White notched a double-double with 14 assists and 15 digs while Ayla Brewer had 16 assists of her own. Christina Huber led all players with 32 digs. As a team, the Battling Bishops had 12 total blocks and hit .139 (43-20-165) for the match.

Emory & Henry will open the home portion of its season on Tuesday when it welcomes Bluefield State College to the John Rutledge King Center. First serve between the Wasps and Lady Blues is set for 6:30 p.m.

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