Winston-Salem, North Carolina — Blue Mountain Christian Volleyball wrapped up the Carolina Classic on Saturday, finishing with a 2-1 record after splitting two matches. The Volley Toppers opened the day with a five-set loss to Bryan College before bouncing back with a straight-set victory over host Carolina University.
In the morning match against Bryan, BMCU took the first set 25-22. The Lions responded with victories in the second and third sets, 25-20 and 25-22, respectively. Facing a 2-1 deficit, the Volley Toppers forced a fifth set with a 25-19 win in the fourth. Bryan ultimately won the fifth set 15-12, handing BMCU its first loss of the season.
Marissa Gerleman led BMCU offensively with 17 kills and a .333 hitting percentage. She also contributed defensively with four solo blocks and a block assist. Salice Speed recorded a double-double with 15 kills and 17 digs. Olivia Lewis and Mattie Hopper each added seven kills, with Lewis hitting .333. Olivia Domino directed the offense with 32 assists, and Abbi Williams led the back row with 28 digs.
Later in the day, BMCU responded with a sweep of Carolina University, winning 25-15, 25-18, and 25-18. Valeria Velez led the team with nine kills. Gerleman added eight kills with a .286 hitting percentage. Hopper was efficient at the net, finishing with six kills on 13 attempts without errors for a .462 percentage. Speed contributed six kills and five aces from the service line. Domino dished out 28 assists and added seven digs, while Williams led defensively with 22 digs.
Overall, BMCU finished the weekend with several standout performances. Gerleman totaled 25 kills, with Speed adding 21 and 30 digs. Williams accumulated 50 digs, and Domino posted 60 assists. The team recorded 55 kills and 50 assists in the five-set match and finished with 78 digs overall.
The Volley Toppers leave Winston-Salem with a 2-1 record after closing the tournament with a sweep.
