The Piedmont volleyball team claimed its first win of the new season with a straight sets victory over Hollins Saturday to earn a split on day two of tournament action at Averett. Randolph defeated the Lions in the opening match of the day 3-1.
Match 1: Randolph 3, Piedmont 1
The Lions took the opening set of the day against Randolph 25-21 and held tough throughout, but it was the Wildcats who prevailed, taking the next three 25-19, 25-17, and 25-23.
Piedmont held a 22-18 lead late in the fourth set as they attempted to even the scoreline and force a fifth set, but Randolph was able to score seven of the last eight points. The Lions’ only point in that run was a service error by the Wildcats.
Kaylee Ashcraft has proven her spot in the rotation over opening weekend as she led the team with 15 kills while also adding 19 digs.
Vanessa Manzo topped her own career-best set Friday with 44 assists.
Match 2: Piedmont 3, Hollins 0
It was a close contest in the opening set as Hollins held tough, but Piedmont was able to move ahead with a 25-17 win. In the second set, it was all Lions with a 25-9 win and Piedmont closed it out 25-13.
Piedmont posted a .225 attack percentage as a team while holding Hollins to a negative attack percentage.
Jenna Ash led the Lions with 11 kills, while Katie Hubbard added nine. Freshman Kaylee Ashcraft was impressive with eight kills and also added seven aces. Vanessa Manzo Totaled 29 of the Lions’ 34 assists.
Up next, Piedmont will head to Raleigh for tournament action on Friday, September 8, facing Virginia Wesleyan and Bridgewater.
Standout Performances:
Kaylee Ashcraft posted a team-high seven aces against Hollins, with Piedmont recording 14 total.
Inside the box score:
Hollins was the first match of the year Piedmont held an opponent to a negative attack percentage.
