CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Queens University of Charlotte women's volleyball team capped off their 2024 Queen Fall Classic finale against a fiery USC Upstate team, battling to five sets. USC Upstate ultimately clawed out the win, 3-2 (21-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, 11-15).
In the first set, USC Upstate used the offensive efforts of Savannah Page and Ady O'Grady to cap off a 25-21 set win. Kamyla Vega David, the tournament MVP, aided in assists (including seven in the first set). Queens managed to stay close with the help of Kayla McDuffie and Alleigh Johnson on the attack, but the Spartans held on late to take the victory.
Queens bounced back in the second set, winning 25-20. This set was marked by improved offense from Queens, with key kills by McDuffie and Anna Grace Sparks. The Royals finished with a match-high 15 kills in the frame, while the Spartans only mustered up seven.
Despite a higher hitting percentage pieced together by USC Upstate, the Royals capitalized on seven attack errors to take home the 25-22 third-set victory. Sparks got in the rhythm for the Royals, slamming down five kills in the frame en route to the win.
Upstate fought back in the fourth set, narrowly winning 25-23. This set was highly competitive, with both teams trading points - including 11 tie scores and four lead changes. Upstate's Alyssa Hook and Alona Clinansmith stepped up with crucial kills, while Queens' McDuffie and A. Johnson kept the pressure on. However, the Spartan defense held strong in the final points to force a deciding fifth set.
The fifth and final set saw Upstate take the victory 15-11. Upstate started with a quick lead due to back-to-back Queens miscues and a service ace from Vega David. Queens' McDuffie, Sparks, and Norris fought back on offense, eventually cutting their deficit to three points (10-13). But Upstate was able to hold on to the lead, earning the squad a victory on the road.
Sparks led the Royals with 16 kills in the match, with Alleigh Johnson (12) and Jordyn Johnson (9) following close behind.
McDuffie was a force to be reckoned with on the block, earning five on the afternoon to lead both squads. Her performance led to her All-Tournament Team honor.
Queen City Classic All-Tournament Team
Alona Clinansmith (Upstate)
Emma Slusser (Davidson)
Isabel Decker (Davidson)
Kayla McDuffie (Queens)
Maddie Meyers (William & Mary)
MVP: Kamyla Vega David (Upstate)
UP NEXT
The Royals will be right back inside the Levine Center for the Queen City Invitational, co-hosted by UNC Charlotte. The Royals will kick off next weekend's action with a match against NC Central on Friday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 PM.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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