ROCK HILL, SC – Four Eagles posted double-digit kills Saturday afternoon against Liberty but it wasn't enough as the Eagles fell to the Flames in five sets.
Winthrop fell to 9-15 overall and 4-5 in the Big South while Liberty improved to 12-10 overall and 7-2 in the conference.
The first set was a constant trading of runs between the two sides. After a tight early going, Winthrop went on its first run, 9-2, to take an 18-14 advantage. The Flames fought back with a 5-0 spurt of their own, taking a 19-18 lead. The Eagles took six of the next seven points to set up set point at 24-20. Liberty fought off two before the Eagles won the first set 25-22.
After being even through the first 18 points, Winthrop had to play from behind. The Eagles did well to cut down the Flame lead and were able to gain a 22-21 advantage, but didn't score another point as Liberty took the second set 25-22.
Another back-and-forth battle ensued in the third set with both sides taking opportunities to lead, but neither able to gain control. With the score tied at 20-20, Winthrop was able to grab the final five points of the set on some solid defense at the net, winning 25-20.
Liberty took control of the fourth set early, leading by seven at 12-5 and extending the lead to eight at 18-10. Winthrop was able to cut the deficit down to six at 20-14 but couldn't get any close as the Flames took the fourth set 25-16.
Winthrop held a slim, early 6-4 lead in the fifth set. Liberty responded with a 7-2 run, taking an 11-8 edge. The Eagles pulled back within two at 14-12, but couldn't get any closer, falling 15-11.
Nikki Drost posted her second consecutive double-double, finishing with 19 kills and 16 digs. Annelies Dokter also finished with a double-double, totaling 12 kills and 13 digs. Emma Weakland and Brianna Gray each added 16 kills. Madilyn McCarty finished the match with 60 assists and four blocks while Mallary McFadden totaled 20 digs.
Winthrop heads back on the road Friday to start the second round of divisional play as the Eagles play at Coastal Carolina on Friday and Charleston Southern on Saturday.
