Charlotte, NC -- Johnson & Wales has played Spartanburg Methodist College twice each year since the program's first season and was 0-9 against the Pioneers until Tuesday night.  The Wildcats put together a great team effort to get the program's first win over the Pioneers, a team that is on the JWU schedule to increase their level of competition and enhance the team's play.  

The Wildcats entered the first game a little unfocused, but they found themselves with an early lead despite their own serving and net play errors.  The lead changed hands a few times throughout the match, but JWU wound up on top after tying the game at 24 and finishing it out 26-24.  The Wildcats carried that momentum into the second game and jumped out to a 6-1 lead.  Spartanburg Methodist battled back, but the Wildcats pushed ahead and took the second game 25-21.  Spartanburg Methodist settled in during the third game and found a rhythm by tipping the ball around the Wildcat block and getting some kills of their own.  They went on to win the third game 17-25.  The fourth game was a hard-fought game with back-and-forth play, but Spartanburg Methodist came out with the 23-25 victory to force a final set.  The Wildcats came out aggressively and were the first to eight points to change sides before they held a three-point lead at 10-7.  Spartanburg Methodist closed to within a point at 12-11, but JWU finished strong and took the set 15-12.

JWU was led by Lucy Herrmann with a career-high 17 kills.  Reanna Bray had 15 kills as Herrmann and Bray attacked from the middle all night.  The defense was stellar as well with Summer Meredith and Samantha Johnson each registering 21 digs.  Sarah Slaughter contributed on both sides of the ball by adding 9 kills and 13 digs.  Jackie Clifford and Erika Ross made some fantastic hustle plays in the effort as well.

The Wildcats close out their season at home on Thursday night at 7:00 PM against Guilford Technical Community College.  It is Senior Night, and the Wildcats will thank Reanna Bray and Sarah Slaughter for all of their contributions to the program just before the match begins.  Don't miss the last chance to see the Wildcats play this season, and come support Re and Sarah!