WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winthrop volleyball team lost a five-set nail biter Friday to the Davidson Wildcats in the first game of the Wake Forest Invitational.

The loss dropped the Eagles to 3-2 on the young season while Davidson improved to 2-0.

"We are still not getting consistent play from several players who need to be successful," said Winthrop head coach Julie Torbett.  "Stephanie Palmer had another great performance with 14 kills and Catherine Brusie led all diggers with 18, and freshman Amy Zimmer and Rachel Lenz stepped up and played well."

 Winthrop came out very strong in the first set, jumping out to a quick 6-3 edge followed by a 9-0 run to open a commanding 15-3 lead over the Wildcats.  Davidson was unable to mount any major attack against the Eagles as Winthrop took the first set 25-9.  The Eagles hit a solid .393 in the first set with 14 kills and only three errors. 

The second set was much closer to start.  After the Eagles grabbed a 6-3 lead again, the two squads found themselves tied at 8-8 and again at 12-12.  Davidson was then able to take a slim 19-16 lead, but Winthrop managed only one more point over the remainder of the set as the Wildcats tied the match 1-1 with a 25-17 second-set victory.

Davidson led the third set from the opening point.  Winthrop was unable to string more than two or three points together at a time which allowed the Wildcats to build a lead.  Davidson had the early 10-5 lead and opened it to eight at 20-12 before taking the third set 25-15.

Winthrop turned the tables on the Wildcats in the fourth set, starting strong and leading throughout.  The Eagles led 7-5 before going on a 5-0 run to open a 12-5 lead.  Winthrop was able to continue its positive play, to close out the Wildcats 25-14 to force a decisive fifth set.

In the fifth set, the Wildcats grabbed an early 3-0 lead.  Winthrop battled back and kept within two points for the majority of the set, but Davidson got a larger lead at 14-10.  The Eagles fought off three match points to get within 14-13, but couldn't complete the comeback as Davidson got the final point to win the match 3-2.

Stephanie Palmer led the Eagles with 14 kills and 28 assists while Rachel Lenz also added 12 kills.  Catherine Bruise led the team with 18 digs.   

The Eagles will continue in the Wake Forest Invitational Saturday with a 10 a.m. contest against UNC Wilmington followed by a 7 p.m. clash with the host Demon Deacons.