Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

USAFA, CO – The Winthrop volleyball team fell in two four-set matches Saturday to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and California on the second day of the Falcon Classic.

Against the Cougars Winthrop jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the opening set only to see it quickly dissipate as SIUE went on a 10-2 run to grab a 10-6 edge.  The Cougars were able to hold a lead through the majority of the set, continuing to lead at 19-15.  Winthrop then came on strong, taking four straight points and 10 of the last 13 to win the first set 25-22.

In the second set, Winthrop was able to take a slim, early lead over the Cougars led by only as much as four at 20-16.  SIUE then went on a 5-0 run, fueled by three consecutive attack errors by the Eagles, allowing the Cougars to take a 21-20 advantage.  The two teams went back and forth, trading points and were tied at 23-23 before back-to-back kills by the Cougars gave SIUE the 25-23 victory.

The Cougars dominated the third set, jumping out to a 9-2 lead and leading by as much as 13 en route to a 25-13, third-set victory. 

Winthrop had a solid chance to extend the match by winning the fourth set, but couldn't maintain its lead.  The Eagles led 15-9 midway through the fourth set, but saw the Cougars slowly chip away at their deficit.  Winthrop continued to lead at 20-17 but a 4-1 burst by the Cougars tied the set at 21-21.  After again trading points the 23-23 tie turned into a 25-23 win for the Cougars after a Winthrop error and a SIUE kill.

Sophomore Emma Weakland led the Eagles with 11 kills while senior Alina Sopizhuk and sophomore Brianna Gray each tallied eight in the loss.  Senior Jessie Vicic finished with 34 assists and Sopizhuk led the Eagles with 14 digs. 

Winthrop hit only .128 for the contest with 43 kills and 43 assists.  The Eagles totaled three service aces, 49 digs and six total team blocks.

Against the California Bears, the Eagles battled through a tough first set.  The two teams were even through the first 30 points at 15-15 before Winthrop was able to inch away, grabbing an 18-15 edge.  Cal got back within two at 20-18 but couldn't get any closer as the Eagles took the first set 25-19.

The second set was again tight early, this time with the Bears holding the early advantage.  California led by only one at 14-13 before a 6-0 run opened 20-13 lead for the Bears.  Winthrop battled back to get within two at 22-20, forcing Cal into a timeout, but couldn't complete the comeback, falling 25-22.

California jumped out to an early 6-1 lead in the third set and led by as much as six at 17-11 before the Eagles started their charge.  Winthrop battled back on a 7-1 run to tie the set at 18-18.  The Eagles were again unable to continue their momentum as Cal held strong to take the third set 25-20.

Winthrop looked primed to force a decisive fifth set as the fourth set moved forward.  Winthrop led 10-8 early but Cal was able to come back to grab an 18-15 advantage.  Behind the serving of Jessie Vicic, the Eagles took five straight points to regain a 20-18 lead.  Cal fought back, taking seven of the final nine points to win the fourth set 25-22 and the match 3-1.

Alina Sopizhuk led the Eagles with 16 kills while Brianna Gray and Nikki Drost each totaled 10 kills.  Vicic finished with 32 assists while Maria Volstad led the Eagles with 11 digs.  Emma Weakland also contributed six block assists to Winthrop.

The Eagles finished with 56 kills and a .330 hitting percentage in the loss.  Winthrop totaled 53 assists, 30 digs and eight total team blocks.

The Eagles will return to the court on Tuesday when they head north to take on the Charlotte 49ers at 7 p.m. inside Halton Arena.