ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop volleyball team had a strong outing Saturday afternoon, sweeping past the UNC Asheville Bulldogs inside the Winthrop Coliseum.

The Eagles improved to 11-17 overall and 6-7 in the conference with the victory while Asheville fell to 13-11 overall and 6-7 in the Big South.

Nikki Drost led the Eagles with her second double-double of the weekend, finishing with 12 kills and 10 digs while Brianna Gray also added 10 kills.  Mallary McFadden notched 11 digs while Madilyn McCarty recorded 34 assists.

Winthrop dominated the majority of the first set, opening as much as a 12-point edge at 20-8.  Asheville fought back, however, getting back as close as four at 24-20, but no close at the Eagles took the set 25-20.

In a much closer second set, the Eagles had to battle for every point.  Although Winthrop led throughout, it wasn't until late in the set before it could pull away.  Winthrop took the second set 25-21.

UNC Asheville took an early lead in the third set only to see the Eagles rally.  The two sides were tied 13-13 before Winthrop went on a quick 4-0 spurt, taking a 17-13 edge.  Asheville only managed four more points in the match as the Eagles took the third set 25-17.

The Eagles will step out of conference play for the final time on Tuesday when they host the NC Central Eagles at 6 p.m.