BUENA VISTA, VA. — The Southern Virginia University Women's volleyball team advanced to the USA South Conference Semifinals Tuesday night, taking down Pfeiffer in four sets, 3-1, and face off against No. 4 seeded Salem College in Knight Arena Thursday, November 3.
The Series:
The Knights will look to remain perfect against the Spirits, holding a perfect 4-0 all-time while only giving up one set in the four matches. Both teams met for the first time in 2021, while the latest matchup coming two weeks ago resulting in sweeps for Southern Virginia.
In the most , Courtney Pinkston recorded a game-high 16 kills, while Brenna Clyde added nine. Ashley Torbenson had her a solid outing, tallying a career-high six aces. At the net, Jilane Pedersen dominated with four blocks.
Struggling to get things rolling in the first set, the Knights found themselves down one point 13-12 before Sydney Hopkin sparked a 5-0 run to go ahead 17-14. Later in the set, three consecutive points led by two Pinkston kills extended the teams lead to four points, 23-19. A final kill by Ashley Torbenson locked in the 25-21 set victory and the 1-0 lead in the match.
Torbenson continued bringing the heat, leading the team to a 11-3 start to the second set with four aces. After trading points throughout the set, a final 4-0 run, capped by three consecutive Pinkston kills gave the Knights the 25-19 win and the 2-0 advantage.
Brenna Clyde heated up in the third set, recording four kills, helping the team to another 11-3 lead to begin the final set of the match. The remainder of the set showcased the Knights using 2-1 spurts to continue extending their lead, eventually using a final Pinkston kill to complete the sweep.
Impact Players:
Sage Matheny has been big for the Knights all year and demonstrated her dominance in the First Round against Pfeiffer recording eight aces and 42 assists. If Matheny can stay consistent and take some pressure off Emma Steiger from the service line and setting up Courtney Pinkston on the attack, the Knights' chances of advancing will remain high.
Jilane Pedersen and Ashley Torbenson will be looked to keep the Spirits' offense at bay, coming into the match with 150 combine blocks. The dynamic duo will have their eyes on Aspen Bradley, who leads the Salem offense with 346 kills, followed by Valeria Rosa Lopez with 299, and Anna Rymer with 282.
Game Details:
The opening serve is set for 7 pm in Knight Arena. For the most up to date information regarding Southern Virginia University Women's Volleyball, visit knightathletics.com and follow the team on Instagram @knightwvolleyball and on Twitter @knightwvolley.
