DURHAM, NC – The Winthrop volleyball team cruised to a three-set victory Friday night over NC Central in a non-conference contest.

Winthrop evened its record at 8-8 on the season with the victory and will have the next week off before returning to conference play next weekend, hosting Campbell Friday and High Point Saturday.

Winthrop had to battle early in the first set before being able to open its lead late.  Winthrop led by only three at 15-12 before using a 10-4 run to close the set and win 25-16.

In the second set, Winthrop led throughout.  NC Central again was able to stay within striking distance in the early going of the set but Winthrop again used a late rally to take the second set 25-13.

NC Central came out strong in the third set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead but it was short-lived.  Winthrop tied the set at 6-6 and the two sides went back and forth for the next 16 points and were all square at 14-14.  Winthrop then went on a 3-0 run and didn't look back, taking the set 25-19.

Brianna Gray led Winthrop with 12 kills and a career-high .733 attack percentage.  Sydney Gunter followed closely with 11 kills.  Siani Yamaguchi led the team with 34 assists and Alexis Rudnik tallied 10 digs.