(BUENA VISTA, Va.) - The 2024 USA South Volleyball Tournament championship took place on the campus of Southern Virginia University on Saturday, November 16 as the top-seeded, host, Knights earned the title by defeating second-seeded Salem, 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-22, 27-25).
Salem opened the match strong, never trailing in the first set en route to taking the opening frame. It appeared as though the Spirits were on their way to a two-set lead until Southern Virginia went on a 6-1 run to close the second set and tie the match. Speaking of 6-1 runs, that is what Salem opened the third set on until the Knights tied the score, 8-8. After a back-and-forth battle for the remaining of the frame, Southern Virginia prevailed by going on an 8-3 run to grab a 2-1 set lead. The final set appeared finished when the Knights took 24-20 lead but the Spirits valiantly killed off four championship points until finally succumbing.
Southern Virginia was led offensively by Sydney Bassett who posted a double-double with a match-high 20 kills to go along with 20 digs, and five block assists. Gracie Fulton contributed a co-match-high 32 digs as Ruby Blamires had 44 assists for the Knights. For Salem, Aspen Bradley had a team-high 16 kills, Jolina Bun totaled a co-match-high 32 digs, and Leah Rymer posted 37 assists.
2024 All-Tournament Team
Sydney Bassett, Southern Virginia (MVP)
Aspen Bradley, Salem
Brenna Clyde, Southern Virginia
Gracie Fulton, Southern Virginia
Brookelyn Madland, Southern Virginia
Leah Rymer, Salem
Ellie Scherer, Salem
2024 USA South Volleyball Tournament Results
(All contests played at the higher-seeded team in the matchup)
First Round - Tuesday, November 12
Game 1: #8 N.C. Wesleyan - 0 #1 Southern Virginia - 3
Game 2: #7 Brevard - 0 #2 Salem - 3
Game 3: #6 William Peace - 3 #3 Methodist - 0
Game 4: #5 Meredith - 3 #4 Greensboro - 0
Semifinals - Thursday, November 14
#5 Meredith - 0 #1 Southern Virginia - 3
#6 William Peace - 0 #2 Salem - 3
Final - Saturday, November 16
#2 Salem - 1 #1 Southern Virginia - 3