Article published by MMC Athletic Department Intern, Russell Lorentz
FLORENCE, Ala. – The Martin Methodist Volleyball team took to the road for the second time in less than a week, traveling to Florence, Alabama to participate in the North Alabama Volleyball Classic last weekend.
The squad competed in four matches throughout the tournament, posting a 1-3 mark over the weekend. Collectively, the RedHawks (2-6) secured their lone win in a victory against Fisk (Tenn.) University in straight sets, 3-0. Their three losses came in matches against Northwood (Mich.) University, University of North Alabama, and Tiffin (Oh.) University, all NCAA Division II programs. The RedHawks were defeated in straight sets in all three contests.
Northwood University 3, Martin Methodist 0:
In the tournament opener, the RedHawks faced a tough challenge in their first match against the Timberwolves of Northwood (Mich.) University. The RedHawks were defeated in straight sets, (25-12, 25-18, 26-24) but found an extra wind in the third set and nearly forced a fourth set.
During the match, RedHawk defensive specialists Domynique Kloss and Hayley Brisendine led the way combining for 22 digs. Additionally, Chakia Hinkle continued to string solid performances together, leading the RedHawks with six kills.
University of North Alabama 3, Martin Methodist, 0:
The RedHawks followed up the contest with Northwood (Mich.) University with a match against tournament host, University of North Alabama. The RedHawks were defeated in straight sets, (25-16, 25-10, 25-11). Kloss and Brisendine were once again bright spots for the RedHawks, posting 21 combined kills.
Belen Albertos Asencio led all RedHawks with five kills in the match.
Tiffin University 3, Martin Methodist 0:
The third tilt for the RedHawks was against the Dragons of Tiffin University. The RedHawks were defeated in straight sets, but showed progression, nearly stealing the second set from the Dragons. The final tally of the match was (25-12, 25-23, 25-10), as the RedHawks still searched for their first victory of the tournament.
Brittney Pepitone and Albertos Asencio combined for 16 kills, while teammates Sydney Arnold and Brisendine posted a combined 18 digs.
Martin Methodist 3, Fisk University 0:
The RedHawks turned in their most complete performance against the Bulldogs of Fisk University in their final match of the North Alabama Volleyball Classic. The RedHawks went on to win the match in straight sets, by a final count of 25-15, 26-24, 25-21.
Sophia Paes, Hayley Brisendine, Domynique Kloss, Sydney Arnold and Chakia Hinkle went on to collect five or more digs throughout the match, while Jade Paris, Brayden Auer, Brittney Pepitone, and Hinkle amassed five or more kills during the match.
The RedHawks will once again hit the road on Sept. 6 when they travel to McKenzie, Tennessee to take on Bethel (Tenn.) University, the conference opener for both teams.
First serve is set for 7 p.m. inside the confines of Crisp Arena.
