Box Score

RADFORD, VA – Sophomore Jennica Mullins recorded a career-high 18 kills Friday to lead the Winthrop volleyball team to a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Radford Highlanders.

Winthrop improved to 11-11 overall and 5-3 in the Big South with the victory while Radford fell to 13-12 overall and 3-5 in the conference with the loss.

Radford took the first two sets of the night.  The Highlanders won a marathon of a first set that went well past the typical 25 points for a set win.  Both teams had multiple set points before Radford was able to take the first set 33-31.  The Highlanders easily won the second set 25-18.

In the third set, the two teams were even through the first 10 points before the Eagles were able to gain control.  Winthrop used a quick 4-0 run to open a 12-7 lead and never relinquished it.  The Eagles took the third set 25-20.

Midway through the fourth set Radford looked to be on its way to a four-set victory, but Winthrop didn't go quietly.  The Eagles used another big run, this time Winthrop went on a 10-2 run to turn a three-point deficit into a five-point set victory, taking the fourth set 25-20.

In the fifth set Winthrop turned up its defensive pressure at the net, recording five of its total 16 blocks in the final set.  After Radford led 10-8, the Eagles were able to regain a 12-11 edge and went on for the 15-13 victory to win the match 3-2.

In addition to her career-high 18 kills, Mullins also tied her career-high with 12 total blocks and tied the school record for blocks in a five-set match.  Rachel Lenz reached a career-high in kills with 17 while Carolyn Weed also added 13 kills.  Stephanie Palmer led the team with 37 assists while Catherine Brusie had 18 digs.

“Out team had another impressive comeback tonight,” head coach Julie Torbett said.  “It was our blocking in the end that made the difference.  Jennica Mullins dominated at the net, earning 25.5 points alone and Rachel Lenz turner her match around with 17 kills.”

The Eagles will return to the court on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. when they face the Liberty Flames.