WILMINGTON, NC – The Winthrop volleyball team dropped its first two matches of the season Friday, falling to Jacksonville and UNC Wilmington on the first day of the UNCW Courtyard by Marriott Classic.

In the Eagles' first game against Jacksonville, Winthrop dropped the first two sets.  In the first set, the Dolphins used a late run to open a lead, taking the first set 25-17.  In the second set, the Eagles led late 23-20 but Jacksonville closed the set on a 5-0 run, winning the second set 25-23.

Winthrop (0-2) stayed alive, winning the third set, leading almost throughout.  The Eagles took the third set 25-20.  Jacksonville (1-0) didn't allow the Eagles to use any momentum from the third set as the Dolphins dominated the fourth set winning 25-15 and the match 3-1.

Lourdes Rosario led the Eagles with 17 kills while Sydney Gunter added 10 kills in her collegiate debut.  Siani Yamaguchi led the Eagles with 32 assists while Mallary McFadden tallied 14 digs.

In the second game of the afternoon against the host UNC Wilmington Seahawks, Winthrop struggled to get going offensively, falling 3-0.

Wilmington (1-0) took the first two sets 25-18 and 25-17 respectively.  The Eagles tried to extend the match with a third-set win.  Winthrop led 15-11 but the Seahawks went on a 5-1 run to tie the set at 16-16 and went on to take the set 25-22.

Rosario again led the Eagles with 15 kills while Sammi-Jo Al-Hong added eight kills.  Carlie Skelton led the team with 11 digs.

Winthrop will close out the weekend tournament on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against Davidson Wildcats.