ROCK HILL, SC – Emma Weakland recorded a career-high 21 kills Friday evening but it wasn't enough to propel the Winthrop volleyball team to victory as the Eagles fell 3-1 to the Liberty Flames.

With the loss Winthrop falls to 9-15 overall and 0-8 in conference play while Liberty improved to 7-2 in the Big South and 12-9 overall.

The two sides were all square through the first 20 points before Liberty used an 8-1 run to open an 18-11 advantage.  The Eagles were able to get back within three at 21-18 but couldn't get any closer, falling 25-19.

After a back-and-forth opening to the second set, Winthrop was able to pull away slightly for a 17-12 lead.  After trading points Winthrop continued to lead by five at 20-15.  Liberty pulled back within two at 20-18 but Winthrop squashed the Flames' run and hit set point at 24-20.  Liberty grabbed two points but the Eagles were able to hold on for the 25-22 second-set victory.

Liberty jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead to start the third set.  Winthrop made numerous charges to get within striking distance but was never able to overtake the Flames as Liberty took the third set 25-18.

The Eagles grabbed a slim, early lead 11-7 in the fourth set only to see Liberty battle back on an 8-2 run to take a 15-13 edge.  Winthrop came back to tie the set at 15-15 and then the two sides started trading points.  The Eagles and Flames were again tied at 19-19 before Liberty went on a 6-0 run to reach match point at 24-19.  Winthrop was able to fight off to match points before falling 25-21.

Weakland totaled 21 kills and hit .362 in the loss while also picking up two block assists.  Sydney Gunter also tallied 11 kills.  Siani Yamaguchi recorded a double-double with 27 assists and 12 digs.  Kelsey Schroll was strong at the net, finishing with seven block assists and also added eight digs.

Winthrop will round out is home conference action on Saturday when Radford visits the Winthrop Coliseum for a 4 p.m. contest.