Winston-Salem, N.C. — Blue Mountain Christian Volleyball opened the 2026 season with a win Friday, sweeping Spartanburg Methodist in the first match of the Carolina Classic hosted by Carolina University.
The Volley Toppers (1-0) secured the victory in straight sets, finishing with a balanced offensive effort. They totaled 39 kills with a team-hitting percentage of .280, along with eight blocks and 52 digs.
Salice Speed led the offense, recording nine kills and hitting .241. She also contributed nine digs and was involved in four blocks, finishing with a team-high 12.5 points. Valeria Velez made an immediate impact in her first match as a Volley Topper, achieving eight kills without an attack error on 16 attempts for a .500 hitting percentage. Velez also added 11 digs.
Mattie Hopper added eight kills on 15 attempts with a .400 hitting percentage. Marissa Gerleman contributed seven kills, hitting .263, and added two blocks. Olivia Lewis helped at the net with five block assists and three kills on five attempts, finishing with a .400 hitting percentage.
The team’s setters helped distribute the offense effectively. Olivia Domino led with 12 assists, followed by Sydney Tague with 10 and Brenyn Wilbanks with nine. Defensively, Abbi Williams recorded 17 digs, while Velez and Speed added 11 and nine digs, respectively.
The victory marks the start of the season for Blue Mountain Christian, who will continue playing at the Carolina Classic in Winston-Salem.
