Article published by MMC Athletic Communications Intern, Russell Lorentz
PULASKI, Tenn.- The Martin Methodist Volleyball team took to the road last weekend for a three-game stretch against Southern States Athletic Conference foes Faulkner (Ala.) University, Brenau (Ga.) University and Dalton State (Ga.) College.
The RedHawks (4-8, 2-2 SSAC) posted a 2-1 record on the road trip and improved their conference record to an even .500 mark through four games in league play.
The RedHawks collected a pair of victories, the first against Brenau (Ga.) University by a 3-1 margin, and the second against Dalton State (Ga.) College in five sets, 3-2.
The RedHawks lone loss came in the match against Faulkner (Ala.). University, losing in straight sets, 3-0.
The RedHawks will see the schedule turn in their favor when they return to action for a string of home matches on Sept. 22, 23, and 24.
The RedHawks will take on Middle Georgia State College in their home opener inside the Curry Christian Life Center on Sept. 22.
First serve is set for 7 p.m.
Faulkner University 3, Martin Methodist 0:
In the first of three matches on the road trip, the RedHawks dropped the contest against the Eagles of Faulkner (Ala.) University by a final count of (25-17, 25-21, 25-17).
During the match, the RedHawks were led offensively by the trio of Chakia Hinkle, Brayden Auer, and Genesis Mejias, who combined for 21 total kills.
Freshman Sydney Arnold posted 25 assists offensively, six more than the entire Faulkner (Ala.) University squad.
Defensively, four RedHawks posted double figures in digs. Samantha Davenport led the way with (16), Domynique Kloss added (13), Belen Albertos Asencio posted (12), and Brayden Auer broke into the stat sheet with 15.
Martin Methodist 3, Brenau University 1:
The second match of the road trip proved to be a winning result for the RedHawks, as the squad defeated Brenau (Ga.) University by a score of (25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 25-22).
Offensively, Hinkle posted a team-high in kills (11), and Albertos Asencio and Auer repeated strong matches with nine kills apiece.
Arnold followed her strong match against Faulkner (Ala.) University with another strong effort, posting 34 assists, one more than the Brenau (Ga.) University side as a whole.
Defensively, RedHawk Libero Hayley Brisendine led the way with a team best 22 digs. Kloss and Davenport put consistent efforts together once again, combining for 25 total digs.
Furthermore, Albertos Asencio posted 20 digs to go along with her strong offensive performance.
Martin Methodist 3, Dalton State 2:
The RedHawks ended the road trip on a winning note, battling Dalton State (Ga.) College to a five-set match after dropping the first two sets. The RedHawks defeated the Roadrunners by a score of (20-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-7).
Offensively, Hinkle and Albertos Asencio led the team in kills with 22 combined. Sophia Paes proved to be a solid performer offensively as well, turning in nine kills.
From the defensive side, five RedHawks posted double figures in digs. Kloss and Brisendine led the way with 18 digs apiece. In addition, Albertos Asencio (15), Arnold (11), and Davenport (11) continued to perform well on the weekend.
