Asheville, NC - Jace Kleffner finished with a match high 14 kills (.300) but the Radford Highlanders proved too much for the Eagles. This was the third time these two teams have matched up this season and Radford has won all three contests and never dropped a set. The third seeded Eagles' season comes to an end after completing their best campaign since 2011. They finished 11-5 in conference, 16-14 overall, and 1-1 in post season play. 

How It Happened

The Highlanders jumped out to a quick 3-0 start in the first set but a kill from Makayla Doyle ended their run and put the Eagles on the board. Radford stayed on top, even leading 17-11 before Winthrop staged a comeback to get within two points, 22-20. The Eagles stayed within two behind a a Doyle kill and a Radford attack error, but the Highlanders kept the Winthrop comeback at bay and claimed the first set, 25-23. 

The Eagles started down once again in the second set, trailing 23-13. They went on a late run but it would not be enough as the Highlanders cruised to a second set victory and a 2-0 match lead. The third set started out all Eagles as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead and forced Radford to call an early timeout. They would maintain their set lead until the Highlanders tied the set at 14 all. The two teams stayed neck and neck, exchanging points until they were tied again at 20-20. A 5-2 scoring run in favor of the Highlanders put them on top and advanced them to the championship game against High Point, tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. 

First team selection, Siani Yamaguchi, finished with 31 assists and 7 digs and Carlie Skelton ended with 13 digs.