College Volleyball Final – Guilford 3, Ferrum 1

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Malikah French and Kelsey Ruehling both had 16 kills to lead Guilford College to a 25-23, 20-25, 26-24, 25-14 nonconference win over visiting Ferrum College Wednesday night.

French hit .414 and added two blocks as the Quakers (2-3) overcame the loss of setter Taylor Whitley midway through the second game. Guilford held off a late rally for a 25-23 win in the first game, but dropped the game two, 25-20, as Ferrum (0-2) took advantage of the disoriented Quakers. Whitley collided with teammate Meredith Foscue in pursuit of a ball and both players remained on the court for several minutes. Whitley spent the rest of the night on the bench with ice on her head, which Foscue remained in the game and took over setting responsibilities.

After falling behind 10-2 in the third game, the Quakers steadied themselves and climbed back into the match. With Ruehling serving, Guilford reeled off 10 straight points to turn a 12-7 deficit into a 15-12 advantage. Ferrum answered with a 7-3 run to regain a 23-20 advantage before Guilford closed the match on a 6-1 run. A Foscue ace clinched the win in the decisive third game.

Guilford hit .500 as a team in the fourth game and got five kills by Ruehling and four by French. Foscue set up nine of her 22 assists and also contributed two kills in the final game.

Jordan Link paced the Panthers with 10 kills. Kayla Trippeer added eight kills and 13 digs in Ferrum’s 33rd straight setback, dating to 2010.
Guilford plays in the Greensboro College Invitational Tournament this Saturday and Sunday in the Pride’s Hanes Gym.