Vikings Open Hilltop Classic With Four-Game Win over Piedmont

Erin Godwin pounded a team-high 13 kills and Claire Scott picked up 30 digs to lead Berry to a 22-25, 25-22, 25-13, 27-25 victory over Piedmont in the Vikings' first match at the Hilltop Classic in Birmingham Saturday.

The victory was the second in a row for Berry, which improved to 2-1 on the season.  It also marked the second straight match in which the Vikings dropped the first set, only to charge back and win the next three.

"Piedmont's floor defense really challenged our hitters to take good swings and made us earn every kill," Berry head coach Mika Robinson said.  "Our passing was not as strong as it has been so far this season, which also made it more challenging to sideout quickly.  However, I was pleased with the improvement in our blocking and our patience in the long rallies."

Scott also recorded 12 kills, a block and a service ace, while Godwin added three blocks.  Claressa Scott pitched in 10 kills and three blocks.  Karistin Hargrove picked up 17 digs for the Vikings, while also sending three service aces over the net.  Vikings setter Stephanie Quinn dished out 38 assists to go with three kills of her own.

Berry returns to the court at 8:30 p.m. (EDT), Saturday, to face tournament host Birmingham-Southern.

- BerryVikings.com -