SMC Volleyball Energized at Home, Falls to Reinhardt in Conference Clash

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – An electric crowd in Bridges Arena witnessed a back-and-forth battle between Reinhardt University and Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday in the Appalachian Athletic Conference opener for both teams. Reinhardt outlasted SMC, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 25-14.

Spartanburg Methodist (3-9, 0-1 AAC), playing its first home match after 11 straight on the road, fed off the energy of its crowd. Senior Makinnley Smart powered the Pioneer attack with 12 kills, while the team hit .154 overall. Tristan Craine recorded a double-double with 21 assists and 10 digs, and Hana Vucinic came close to one of her own, finishing with nine kills and seven digs.

Reinhardt (9-4, 1-0 AAC) controlled the match at the net, finishing with seven blocks and a .230 hitting percentage. Three Eagles reached double figures in kills, led by Faith Breitbarth, who posted a match-high 14 kills and a .423 hitting percentage. Juliette Baffico added a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs, while Jenna Smith contributed 10 kills with a .250 hitting percentage. The Eagles also tallied six service aces in the win.

SMC returns to action on Saturday, hosting Brenau at 1 p.m. in Bridges Arena.