Tournament Central (Live Stat, Video Links)
ROCK HILL, SC – Winthrop volleyball will host the 2014 Carolina Challenge, welcoming in-state foes Clemson, South Carolina and Furman to the Winthrop Coliseum this Friday and Saturday.
The Eagles (2-3) are coming off a thrilling five-set victory over Charlotte Tuesday evening after going 1-3 in the Falcon Classic hosted by Air Force this past weekend.
Senior Alina Sopizhuk has led the Eagles offensively so far this year, totaling 60 kills and has also contributed 38 digs. Sophomore Emma Weakland has also had a strong offensive start to the season, totaling 52 kills and has been strong at the net with 16 total blocks.
Winthrop will face Furman on Friday evening at 7 p.m. The Paladins enter the weekend with a 1-2 record, picking up a four-set victory over North Florida last weekend at the Duke Invitational.
Sophomore Ashton Gregory has been strong for Furman offensively and defensively as she leads the Paladins with 37 kills and 14 total blocks. Furman has also gotten strong offensive contribution from sophomore Anna Bierman with 33 kills.
Clemson will face off with the Eagles on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. The Tigers enter the weekend unbeaten with a 4-0 record. Clemson hosted the Big Orange Bash last weekend, picking up victories over USC Upstate, Austin Peay, UNC Asheville and Troy.
Senior Kristin Faust led the Tigers offensively with 36 kills through two matches. Clemson's primary setter is Kate Federico who totaled 67 assists in the team's first two contests.
Winthrop will round out the two-day tournament on Saturday at 7 p.m. against the South Carolina Gamecocks. South Carolina also enters the weekend with an unblemished record at 3-0 after winning over Gardner-Webb, Jacksonville and Georgia Tech in the Gamecock Invitational.
Sophomore KoKo Atoa-Williams and freshman Taylr McNeil each lead the Gamecocks with 36 and 34 kills respectively. Kellie McNeil is the team's primary setter, totaling 81 assists this season. Defensively Darian Dozier leads South Carolina with 18 total blocks.
The remainder of the tournament schedule includes Clemson vs. South Carolina Friday at 4 p.m. On Saturday Furman will play South Carolina at 10 a.m. while Furman will take on Clemson at 4:30 p.m.
Following the weekend tournament, the Eagles will have a week off before heading to Auburn, AL to compete in the Active Ankle Challenge against Troy, South Florida and the host Auburn Tigers.
