ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop volleyball team dropped a 3-1 match Friday night to the West Virginia Mountaineers on the opening night of the Winthrop Invitational.

The loss for the Eagles snapped a four-match winning streak and dropped their record to 4-8 on the season.  West Virginia improved to 4-6.

Winthrop opened the first set with a slim 8-5 lead, but West Virginia battled back to tie the set at 17-17.  The Mountaineers then went on a quick 5-1 run, taking a 22-18 lead and the set 25-22.  In the second set, West Virginia led 17-6, but closed the set on an 8-0 run, winning 25-16.

The Eagles came on strong in the third set, leading early 5-2.  They had to fight off a Mountaineer challenge, tying the set at 13-13, but was able to win the third 25-23.  Winthrop's offense couldn't get going in the fourth set as West Virginia took an early 11-5 lead and was able to cruise to a 25-17 victory.

Annelies Dokter had a stellar outing for the Eagles, totaling 17 kills, seven digs and three blocks.  Madilyn McCarty finished with 43 assists while Carlie Sketon led Winthrop with 15 digs.

The Eagles will return to the court for the second day of the Winthrop Invitational on Saturday.  Winthrop will face Murray State at 12:30 p.m. followed by Davidson at 7 p.m.