The Shadow
SALEM, Va. (VR) – The Hollins University volleyball team wrapped up play at the 2025 Maroon Classic on Saturday, taking on North Carolina Wesleyan and Salem College in a pair of tough matches. HU fell 3-1 to the Battling Bishops and dropped a 3-0 decision to the host Salem to close out tournament play.
Against N.C. Wesleyan, Hollins showed fight after dropping the opening set. A service run from Rachel Hull, paired with a pair of kills from Aliyah Lightsey, fueled a second-set win that tied the match 1-1. With the third set locked at 14-14, the Bishops went on an 8-0 run that shifted momentum for good, as Wesleyan went on to claim the match 25-20, 15-25, 25-19, 25-15.
Alleghany High School graduate Lakin Tingler (Class of 2025) made her presence felt in the match, finishing with six kills and steadying Hollins’ attack with timely swings. Alyssa Reed led HU with 13 kills, while Lightsey chipped in eight. Hull added four aces and 14 assists, with Meredith Crawley pacing the defense at 14 digs.
In the tournament finale against Salem, Hollins nearly stole a set late. After dropping the opener, HU rallied behind Reed to tie the second frame at 21-21. Salem, however, closed on a 3-0 run to take control and eventually sweep Hollins 25-15, 25-22, 25-12.
Lightsey again led the way offensively with eight kills and a block, while Dean and Hull shared the setting duties with nine assists apiece. Tingler continued to contribute on the outside, adding to her weekend total as Hollins battled against a hot-hitting Salem squad.
The Green and Gold (3-4) will now turn their attention to Old Dominion Athletic Conference play, opening league competition at home Wednesday night against Bridgewater College. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.
