LYNCHBURG, VA – The Winthrop volleyball team fell in three sets on the road Saturday afternoon to the league-leading Liberty Flames inside the Vines Center.

Winthrop (15-10, 5-4) started the first set strong, jumping out to a 4-1 edge.  After Liberty came back to tie the set at 6-6, the Flames slowly increased their lead, going up by five at 15-10.  Winthrop was able to get back within three at 20-17 but didn't score another point, falling 25-17.

Liberty (22-5, 9-0) controlled the majority of the second set.  After an early 3-3 tie, the Flames went on a 7-1 run to open a 10-4 advantage.  Liberty increased its lead to as much as nine at 20-11 en route to a 25-17 victory.

The Eagles had a positive start to the third set, leading by as much as five at 12-7 before the Flames made a charge.  Liberty went on a 9-3 run to take its first lead of the set at 16-15.  Winthrop was able to weather the Liberty run and the two sides were tied at 20-20.  The Flames then closed the set on a 5-2 run, to win the third set 25-22.

Brianna Gray led the Eagles with seven kills and a .417 attack percentage while Nikki Drost added six kills.  Kelly Scott totaled 20 assists and Maria Volstad totaled nine digs.  Rachel Lenz led all players with seven total blocks.

The Eagles will return home next weekend to host the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Friday and the Charleston Southern Buccaneers Saturday for Senior Day.