Raleigh, NC. — North Carolina Wesleyan opened USA South Conference play Monday evening on the road against Meredith College, marking the Battling Bishops' first conference match of the 2026 season.
Wesleyan battled closely with the Avenging Angels in the opening set, which featured eight ties and three lead changes. The Bishops stayed within striking distance throughout the frame before Meredith pulled out a 25-22 win. Meredith went on to take the next two sets, 25-14 and 25-18, to earn the 3-0 victory.
Savannah Banks led the Wesleyan attack with eight kills while also adding four digs and three block assists. Ashley Hinton followed with six kills and eight digs, while Lillian Rafferty and Kendall Gleason each contributed three kills. Rafferty also finished with three block assists.
Emilee Wilson continued to direct the Bishops' offense, finishing with 20 assists while adding nine digs, three kills and a service ace. Jadyn Smith led the defensive effort with 15 digs and added two service aces, while Hinton's eight digs helped Wesleyan total 47 as a team.
The Bishops also produced six service aces in the match, with Smith and Brooke Mandozzi recording two apiece and Wilson and Gleason adding one each.
North Carolina Wesleyan moved to 4-6 overall and 0-1 in USA South play following its conference opener.
