BOILING SPRINGS, NC – The Winthrop volleyball team overcame a two-set deficit Saturday afternoon, but couldn't complete the comeback, falling in five sets to the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs.

Winthrop fell to 8-12 overall and 3-2 in the conference while Gardner-Webb improved to 6-14 overall and 2-3 in the Big South.

Lourdes Rosario notched a double-double and her second straight 20-kill performance, finishing with 22 kills and 14 digs.  Emma Weakland recorded 18 kills to go along with four blocks.  Dorien Den Otter led the Eagles with 33 assists while Maria Volstad finished with 25 digs.

Gardner-Webb took an early lead in the opening set but Winthrop was able to rally.  The Eagles trailed 22-17, but fought back to take a 24-23, but couldn't take the set.  The two sides traded points before the Bulldogs were able to take the 27-25 win.  Winthrop led only briefly in the early going of the second set before Gardner-Webb took control, winning 25-20.

Winthrop had to rally in the third set to keep the match going.  Trailing, 16-13, the Eagles went on a 10-1 run, taking a 23-17 lead and taking the third set 25-21.  The Eagles dominated the early part of the fourth set, taking a 7-1 lead.  Winthrop had to fight off a Bulldog rally midway through the set, but were able to hold on for the 25-20 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set.

The fifth set was a back-and-forth battle and the two sides were even through the first 14 points.  Gardner-Webb then went on a 5-0 run, taking a 12-7 edge.  Winthrop was able to get back within two at 14-12, but no closer, falling 15-12.

The Eagles will continue conference play next weekend with road contests at High Point on Friday and Campbell on Saturday.