GC Volleyball Defeats Mary Baldwin 3-1 in USA South Opener

The Greensboro volleyball team (7-4, 1-0 USAS) defeated Mary Baldwin (0-11, 0-1 USAS) 3-1 to open their 2014 USA South slate. Mary Baldwin took the first set, before the Pride took the last three sets en route to the 3-1 victory.

In the first set, the Pride kept the score close at 4-4 and 7-7 before the Fighting Squirrels went on to win the set 25-17.

Mary Baldwin jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the second, before Greensboro came firing back with a 7-1 run for a 7-4 lead. With the score at 7-6, The Pride went on a 8-0 push, stretching the margin to 15-6 behind Darrian Bolt tremendous serving. The Pride closed the set on a 6-0 run winning 25-11, and tying the match at 1-1.

In the third set, Greensboro jumped out to a 9-1 lead behind four service aces by Holly Anders. Both teams traded points back and forth before a 3-0 run giving the Pride their largest lead at 19-9. The Pride went on to take the set 25-13 and a 2-1 match lead.

The fourth set, saw the fighting squirrels take a 3-2 lead, but Greensboro responded with a 5-0 run claiming a 7-3 lead. However, Mary Baldwin came back and knotted the score at 9-9, but the Pride used a 7-0 run taking a 16-10 advantage. Both teams traded points down the stretch, with Greensboro prevailing 25-19 and winning the match 3-1.

Liz Widenhouse led the way with 14 kills, while Megan Baranko was close behind with 10. Bari Tressler had 19 assists, while Bolt had 12. Anders paced the Pride with 14 digs and seven service aces.

“We are quite pleased with our first conference win of the season,” said head coach Kaci Pike. “We are still improving and learning how to play together on the court and excited for the upcoming conference weekend.”

The Pride is back in action on Saturday, when they welcome USA South foes N.C. Wesleyan and William Peace to Hanes Gym. The matches are set for 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.