MACON, Ga.(School Release) - McKenzie Bragg recorded the first 20-kill match since Wesleyan College volleyball returned to campus in 2009 as the Pioneers dropped a five-set thriller to Great South Athletic Conference rival Spelman College 3-2 (26-24, 22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 18-16).
Bragg finished with 26 kills on 40 swings for an amazing .550 hitting percentage. After the Jaguars (1-4, 1-0 GSAC) took a 2-1 lead into the fourth set, they built a five-point advantage at 17-12. Wesleyan (0-6, 0-1) responded by outscoring Spelman 13-5 to force a decisive fifth set. The Pioneers faced another big deficit early in the fifth set, but managed to fight their way back. Freshman Jasmine Beltran drilled three consecutive aces with the team facing a 14-11 disadvantage to force extra points before falling 18-16.
The match featured 30 total tie scores and seven lead changes. Wesleyan's offense was paced by Bragg with the help of a three-setter rotation with Hannah Finch (11), Gabriela Silber (11) and Melissa Rodriguez (10) each passing out double-digit assists.
The Pioneers return to the court next Tuesday when they host Columbia College. First serve is scheduled for 7:00pm and admission is free.