NEW ORLEANS – The Martin Methodist Volleyball team shook off a midweek loss to NCAA Division II squad Alabama-Huntsville with two SSAC victories this weekend.
On Friday, the RedHawks turned back William Carey (Miss.) with a 3-0 victory in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. On Saturday, the RedHawks outlasted Loyola (La.) in a five-set thriller that was decided by just three points in the fifth and final set.
The conference victories kept the RedHawks (7-7, 3-0 SSAC) at the top of the SSAC standings through the first two weekends of play.
Martin Methodist returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 25, when they travel to Bryan (Tenn.). First serve is set for 5:30 p.m. CT in Dayton, Tennessee.
Martin Methodist 3, William Carey (Miss.) 0:
The RedHawks started their weekend with a straight-set victory at William Carey (Miss.).
The RedHawks took the first set by a 25-17 margin, claimed the second by a 25-8 score and then clinched the match with a 25-14 win in the final frame.
The RedHawks collected 31 total kills in the victory, with Sabrie Sirmones eight finishes leading the way. Kara Nelms and Lauren Martin added seven apiece in the victory.
Sydney Arnold dished out 22 of the team's 25 total assists on the evening. Arnold also helped out defensively as she collected 10 digs.
Hayley Brisendine helped lead the RedHawk defense with 16 total digs.
Martin Methodist 3, Loyola (La.) 2:
In the most closely contested match of the season, the RedHawks were able to hold off Loyola (La.) in a five-set thriller on Saturday afternoon.
After the RedHawks picked up the first set by a 25-20 margin, the second and third frames went to the home side by 27-25 and 25-14 margins.
Down 2-1, the RedHawks rallied in the fourth frame for a 25-22 victory and then hung on for the win with a 15-12 score in the final set.
A pair of RedHawks notched career bests in the five-set victory, with Hayley Brisendine's 45 digs and Sydney Arnold's 58 assists.
Lauren Martin led the RedHawk attack with 18 kills – just three off her career best. Sabrie Sirmones added 16 kills in the victory. Chandler Salvig and Kiara Mayo added nine and eight kills apiece.
In addition to her 58 assists, Arnold notched her second double-double in as many contests as she also added 17 digs defensively. Samantha Davenport added 14 digs as the RedHawks posted 109 total digs in the five-set matchup.
