Rocky Mount, NC. — North Carolina Wesleyan battled William Peace University in a four-set USA South Conference matchup Tuesday evening inside Everett Gymnasium.
The Pacers took the opening two sets, 25-14 and 25-20, before the Battling Bishops responded with their strongest push of the night in the third. Wesleyan fought through eight ties and three lead changes before edging William Peace 33-31 in an extended frame to force a fourth set. The Pacers closed out the match with a 25-21 victory in the fourth to earn the 3-1 win.
Ashley Hinton led the Wesleyan attack with 14 kills while also adding 11 digs and a service ace. Brooklynn Covic and Kendall Gleason each contributed six kills, while Lillian Rafferty added five. Caroline York provided a spark off the bench with four kills on seven attempts, and Cheney Jackson chipped in three.
Emilee Wilson continued to direct the Bishops' offense, finishing with 35 assists while adding 14 digs, two kills and three service aces. Jadyn Smith led the defensive effort with 21 digs, while Chloe Baggett added 10.
Wesleyan also produced nine service aces as a team. Wilson and Brooke Mandozzi led the way with three apiece, while Kylee Heath added two and Hinton recorded one.
The Battling Bishops finished the night with 44 kills and 71 digs, highlighted by a gritty third-set victory that kept the match alive.
