HIGH POINT, NC – The fifth-seeded Winthrop volleyball team upset the fourth-seeded UNC Asheville Bulldogs 3-1 Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament.

After trailing briefly in the early going of the first set, Winthrop dominated the Bulldogs.  The Eagles used a 7-1 run to take an 11-6 lead and slowly built their lead to as much as 10 before taking the first set 25-16.

Asheville led for the majority of the second set and was able to fight off a late Winthrop rally to take the second set 25-23. 

The two sides were even through the first 24 points of the third set before Winthrop was able to pull away slightly.  Asheville battled back and late in the set both squads were able to fight off multiple set points before the Eagles were able to take the 29-27 victory.

The fourth set was no different that the first three as the two sides were within three points the entire way.  After briefly trailing, the Eagles were able to lead most of the way, taking the fourth set 25-23.

The Eagles had five players record double-digit kills and three with double-doubles.  Lourdes Rosario finished with 19 kills and 13 digs.  Nikki Drost added 15 kills and 16 digs while Emma Weakland finished with 14 kills and Brianna Gray and Rachel Lenz each tallied 13 kills.  Madilyn McCarty finished with 67 assists and 17 digs.

Winthrop advances to the tournament semi-finals and will face the top-seeded Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Friday at 4:30 p.m.