BUISES CREEK, NC – The Winthrop volleyball team dropped a five-set match Saturday on the road to the Campbell Camels.

Winthrop fell to 11-10 overall and 2-5 in the conference with the loss while Campbell improved to 12-11 overall and 3-4 in the Big South with the victory.

The Eagles dominated the first set, jumping out to a 9-1 lead over the Camels, forcing them to take a timeout.  Winthrop marked its largest lead of the set of 13 points at 23-10 en route to a 25-14 victory in the first set.

Winthrop couldn't continue its momentum into the second set.  After the Eagles grabbed a slim 8-7 lead, the Camels went on a 12-4 run to take a 19-12 lead.  Winthrop was able to get back within three at 23-20 but Campbell was able to hold on for the 25-21 victory to tie the match at a set apiece.

The beginning of the third set was a back-and-forth battle before Campbell again used a run in the middle of the set to take a lead.  This time the Camels went on an 8-3 burst to take a 17-12 advantage.  Winthrop continued to trail at 20-14 before the Eagles closed the third set on an 11-3 run to turn the tables and take the third set 25-23. 

With its backs against the wall, Campbell dominated the fourth set.  Winthrop called a timeout after it trailed 10-4, but couldn't take away any of the Camels momentum.  Campbell went on to take the fourth set 25-18.

In the fifth and final set, Campbell took the early lead 8-3.  Winthrop responded with a 7-2 run of its own to tie the set at 10-10.  The teams traded points and were again tied at 13-13, but Campbell was able to grab the final two points to win the fifth set 15-13 and the match 3-2.

Irene Ojuwku led all hitters with 17 kills and recorded a double-double by adding 19 digs.  Alina Sopizhuk also recorded a double-double with 14 kills and 13 digs.  Maria Volstad led the Eagle with 21 digs while Jessie Vicic grabbed a double-double with 47 assists and 13 digs.

Winthrop will return to the Winthrop Coliseum Friday, October 25 for a 7 p.m. contest against the Radford Highlanders.  It will be the Eagles' first home contest since September 28.