MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College volleyball team picked-up its first win of the season on Saturday at the Christian Brothers University Invitational. The Panthers came from behind to defeat Arkansas Monticello 3-1. Wesleyan was unable to duplicate the feat in the final match of the weekend as Maryville pulled off a five set win.
 
The Panthers (1-2) dropped the opening set 25-19, but the match turned in the second set. Wesleyan trailed for most of the frame, making charges to tie the set at 11 and 18. With the set tied again, this time at 20, Jaylen McEwen's kill gave the Panthers a slim lead. The advantaged teetered back and forth as the Panthers served for the set three times before breaking through on the forth try, 28-26.
 
Wesleyan did not face as many road blocks the rest of the way winning the third set 25-19 before cruising to victory after a 25-16 win of the fourth stanza. McEwen finished and Nilah Roy each finished with nine kills. McEwen showcased an impressive .409 attacking percentage in the match. Kylie Foster dished out 18 assists while Lydia Jackson added 13 assists and 12 digs.
 
The finale against Maryville featured two evenly matched teams. The Saints took a 1-0 lead by winning the opening set 26-24. The Panthers squared the match by dominating the second set 25-6. Wesleyan held a .455 attacking percentage in the frame.
 
The Saints held control for most of the third set, but the Panthers found a way to shift the tide. Trailing 22-20 McEwen started a 4-0 Wesleyan run with an ace. After a few exchanges, the Panthers emerged with a 2-1 lead after taking the set 26-24.
 
A back and forth battle ensued in the fourth set as neither team enjoyed a lead over three points throughout. The Saints found a way to edge ahead late and force a fifth set after a 29-27 win. The Panthers took a quick 6-4 lead in the decisive set, but Maryville rallied with six straight points to take command. The four point (10-6) lead was enough to eventually close out the match 15-10.
 
McEwen collected 13 kills in the match while Roy finished with 12 kills and five aces. Foster and Jackson finished with 22 and 21 assists respectively. Nicole Venema led defensively with 25 digs.
 
The Panthers will return home on Friday to host the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational. Matches will start at 9 AM and continue throughout the day and Saturday.
 
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