SPARTANBURG, SC – Despite three players with double-digit kills Tuesday, the Winthrop volleyball team fell on the road 3-1 to the USC Upstate Spartans.
Freshman Lourdes Rosario led the Eagles with 16 kills, her third double-digit kill output of the season. Juniors Emma Weakland and Annelies Dokter totaled 13 and 12 kills respectively. Freshman Madilyn McCarty notched a double-double with 41 assists and 12 digs while junior Maria Volstad led the Eagles with 21 digs.
The opening set saw the two sides battle back and forth through the first 30 points and the Eagles and Spartans were tied 15-15. Winthrop was then able to close the first set on a strong 10-3 run, taking the first set 25-18.
Winthrop (0-4) was unable to continue its momentum into the start of the second set, falling behind quickly 4-0 and 8-3. The Eagles then battled back to tie the set at 8-8. Winthrop again had to battle back from a 14-10 deficit, but fell just short of being able to tie the set again. Upstate took the second set 25-22.
The Eagles came out stronger to start the third set, grabbing a quick 4-1 edge but the Spartans were able to slowly chip away and take an 11-10 lead. Winthrop regained a 13-12 lead, but Upstate responded with a 5-1, taking an 17-13 edge. The Eagles trailed by only one at 21-20, but the Spartans were able to close the set on a 4-0 run, winning 25-20.
USC Upstate (4-0) dominated the fourth set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead. Winthrop was able to stay within three points until 14-11, but couldn't get any closer. The Spartans were able to take the fourth set 25-18 and the match 3-1.
The Eagles finished with 47 kills and a .155 attack percentage with 46 assists, 57 digs and 11 total blocks. The Spartans totaled 52 kills, a .199 hitting percentage, 48 assists, 61 digs and seven total blocks.
Winthrop will continue with some in-state competition at the Carolina Challenge hosted by Furman University. The Eagles will face the host Paladins Friday at 7 p.m. with contests against South Carolina and Clemson on Saturday.
