FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2026) — Pfeiffer battled back to claim the third set but could not overcome a strong offensive performance from Methodist in a 3-1 USA South volleyball loss Tuesday night at the Riddle Center. The Monarchs won by scores of 25-14, 25-18, 23-25 and 25-19.
The Falcons fell to 1-6 overall and 0-1 in USA South Conference play, while Methodist improved to 3-5 overall and 1-0 in league play.
After dropping the opening two sets, Pfeiffer responded with its strongest performance of the match in the third frame. The Falcons hit .360 in the set with 11 kills and only two attack errors, overcoming seven ties and four lead changes before closing out the 25-23 victory.
Gabi Gama paced the Pfeiffer offense with a team-high 10 kills while adding 11 digs for a double-double.
Emma Line contributed eight kills, and
Jada Thomas added five kills and a match-high three total blocks.
Leigan Lusk chipped in three kills and three blocks.
The Falcons received strong play from their setters as
Karmen Rion finished with 15 assists and five digs, while
Kelsey Hussey added 11 assists and four digs. Defensively, Gama's 11 digs led Pfeiffer, while
Molly Wright recorded nine digs and
Meagan Mowrey collected four digs to go along with three service aces.
Pfeiffer totaled 33 kills, 10 service aces and six team blocks. The Falcons were particularly effective from the service line, getting three aces from Mowrey and one each from Gama, Hussey,
Elisa Landaverde,
Alana Herring, Line,
Isabelle Conradie and Rion.
Methodist was led by Addison Johnson's match-high 18 kills and Savannah Hovander's 17 kills on a blistering .680 hitting percentage. The Monarchs finished with 53 kills and a .266 team attack percentage while recording 13 service aces.
Pfeiffer will look to bounce back on Thursday, Sept. 17 when they host William Peace University for a USA South match in the Falcons' home opener. First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Merner Gym.
