Clinton, SC – For the second time this season the Eagles were bested by the Presbyterian College Blue Hose in five sets (15-25, 25-17, 25-19, 27-29, 15-10). This loss drops the Eagles to 9-5 in conference and the Blue Hose move to 7-8.

How It Happened
The Eagles got off to a slow start in the first set as they struggled to find an offensive rhythm and committed too many errors. The Blue Hose presented a stingy defense making it difficult for the Eagles to find the floor. The second set flipped the script when the Eagles offense started clicking and the defensive efforts by Hanna Spevak and Savannah Roper frustrated the Presbyterian attackers. A block by Lily Leistiko gave the Eagles their third eight-point lead of the set. Presbyterian attempted a short-lived comeback but an error at set point allowed the Eagles to tie the match 1-1.

The third set saw a 6-2 deficit, but an 8-0 run sparked by a Jace Kleffner kill gave the Eagles a two-point advantage, 8-6. Presbyterian would not lead again for the remainder of the set. In the fourth set the Eagles played one to two points behind for most of the set, not being able to take the lead until two big kills from Annie Sandlin spurred a three-point swing and put the Eagles up 20-19.  After the Blue Hose missed a serve at 23-22, the Eagles gained their first opportunity at match point. The Eagles had three more opportunities to win the match, but the Blue Hose capitalized on an Eagle attacking error with a kill from Erin Cooke to force the fifth set.

After the fourth set the momentum was all on the Presbyterian side allowing them to swing their way to a 6-2 lead in the deciding set. The Eagles fought their way back within one but that was the closest the Blue Hose allowed. A kill from Allie Wright finalized the Presbyterian win.

Siani Yamaguchi had a double-double night with 47 assists, 20 digs, and added 6 kills (.278) and two aces. Phoebe Wu led all hitters for the second consecutive night with 20 kills (.327), and 11 digs, Hannah Lackey finished with 18 digs and Spevak had 15 and Roper 13. 

Up Next
The Eagles finish the regular season with two home matches next weekend beginning with Gardner Webb on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The final regular season match and senior night will be on Friday, November 9^th against High Point University at 6:00 p.m.