Volleyball season ends with close loss at Averett

The 2011 Peace Volleyball season came to a close Tuesday night in Averett.  After winning a play-in match in the USA South Tournament, the Pacers fell in the second round to the host Cougars, 3-1.  Peace ended the year with a 15-20 mark.

In the opening game against Ferrum, Peace cruised to a 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-13) win. Senior Amber Lowe had a strong all-around game with 6 kills, 2 assists, 3 service aces and 13 digs.  Lauren Naugle chipped in with 8 kills and Olivia Griffin added 17 assists.

After winning easily in the first set, the Pacers were in control in the second set with a 24-16 lead. But Ferrum ripped off six straight points before Taylor Johnson clinched the game with a kill.

By winning the opening match, Peace advanced to face Averett, the second-ranked team in the conference with a 25-10 overall mark and a 15-3 record in the USA South.

The Cougars won the first two sets easily at 25-16 and 25-11. But the Pacers rallied to take the third set, 25-21. The fourth set was close throughout, with 20 ties and neither team enjoying more than a two-point advantage.

A kill by Lowe made it 24-24. With Crystal Alston serving, Lowe again won the point, giving the Pacers set-point and the serve. But Peace was unable to win the next point. The Pacers had another chance to win after a kill by Johnson put them up 26-25 but Averett won the next three points to advance to the semifinals.