August 27, 2007 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SMC Volleyball Sweeps 1st Annual Pioneer Classic

SPARTANBURG – The Spartanburg Methodist Volleyball team knocked off North Lake College 2-0 (30-24, 30-19) in the final match of the 1st Annual Pioneer Classic Volleyball tournament Saturday evening to capture the tournament title.

The Pioneers finished 4-0 in the tournament after sweeping Lenoir Community College 2-0 (30-14, 30-24), Hiwassee College 2-0 (30-17, 30-19) and USC Salkehatchie 2-0 (30-9, 30-19).

The Pioneers were led by Pioneer Classic Tournament MVP, Tiffany Dean (Westminster, SC/West Oak HS), throughout the entire tournament.  Dean finished the weekend with 23 kills and hit at a .322 clip.  Dean also tallied 48 digs and 5 aces.

Also notching All-tournament honors for the Pioneers were Tori Criminger (Rock Hill, SC/Rock Hill HS) and Jen Kelley (Camas, WA/Camas HS).  Criminger finished the weekend with 15 kills, 14 solo blocks, 43 digs and 4 aces while Kelley contributed with 65 assists, 34 digs and 8 aces.

The Pioneers will be back in action on Sept.5 in their first road trip of the season when they take on Lenoir Community College in Kinston, NC.