CHARLOTTE, NC--Winthrop displayed an awesome offensive attack to defeat Loyola (MD) 3-0 Saturday morning in the 2005 Springhill Suites Classic at Charlotte. The victory, coupled with North Texas' win over the host 49ers, gives Winthrop a shot at the tournament title when it faces North Texas at 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
The quartet of Taryn Surbaugh, Mary Hock, Tori Grafeman and Siera Reynolds combined for 49 kills as the Eagles dismantled Loyola 30-16, 30-22, 30-19 and improved to 7-4 on the season.
Surbaugh was the big gun for the Eagles with a .714 hitting percentage as she had 11 kills in 14 attacks with just one error. Hock was the kill leader with 15 and also had seven service aces.
"After such an emotional environment late last night in the Charlotte loss, it was nice to see our team respond with such conviction this morning," said Winthrop head coach Joel McCartney. "Our hopes of winning this tournament remain alive and the championship will be determined in tonight's match against North Texas.
"Once again Taryn Surbaugh was a dominant factor offensively for us and also played a vital role switching out every other play with Beth (Waggoner) to play defense. Overall, we got a steady performance from everyone and each contributed to remaining focused and confident. That confidence is a great foundation for tonight's finale'."
