RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 15, 2026) — Pfeiffer University rallied from a two-set deficit and outlasted William Peace University in a five-set USA South Conference thriller Thursday night, earning a 23-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-12 victory at the Hermann Athletic Center.
The Falcons improved to 3-15 overall and 2-9 in conference play after completing the comeback, snapping a two-match deficit against a William Peace squad that entered the night 11-9 overall and 5-4 in league action.
After dropping the opening two sets, Pfeiffer found its rhythm offensively and defensively, winning the final three frames to secure the road victory. The Falcons closed the match by scoring nine kills with just three attack errors in the decisive fifth set, pulling away late for the 15-12 win.
Anasty Faavesi and
Jada Thomas paced the Pfeiffer attack with 14 kills apiece. Faavesi added two service aces and two block assists for a team-high 17.0 points, while Thomas hit an efficient .394 with four block assists and 16.0 points.
Gabi Gama contributed 12 kills and 16 digs for a double-double, while
Isabelle Conradie filled the stat sheet with eight kills, three aces and four block assists.
Harmony Blankenship chipped in nine kills, including the set-clinching kill in the third frame that began Pfeiffer's comeback.
Setter
Karmen Rion directed the offense with a career-high 30 assists, while
Kelsey Hussey added 17 assists and three service aces. Defensively, libero
Molly Wright anchored the Falcons with a match-high and a career-best 44 digs as Pfeiffer totaled 120 digs as a team.
William Peace was led by Aaliyah Anderson with 15 kills and 14 digs, while Jordyn Chinigo added 14 kills. Aubrey Chesson contributed 11 kills, and setters Layla Farmer and Emily Thompson combined for 42 assists.
The match featured 26 ties and 15 lead changes. Pfeiffer finished with 60 kills, 120 digs and 10 total blocks, narrowly outperforming William Peace's 59 kills and 123 digs.
With the reverse sweep win, Pfeiffer will return to Merner Gym on Saturday to host Salem College in a USA South match. First serve is scheduled for Noon.
