Rock Hill SC – With a four-set win over Gardner Webb (25-18, 25-21, 24-16, 15-10) the Eagles move to 10-5 in conference and maintain their third-place spot in the conference standings. This is the first time Winthrop volleyball has hit double digit conference wins since the 2011 season when they were the crowned the Big South Conference Regular Season Champions.

How It Happened
The Eagles played from behind in three out of the four sets managing comeback wins in the first and second frames. In the first set, Gardner Webb jumped out to a 3-0 start but Siani Yamaguchi blocked two consecutive attacks, finally getting the second block to the floor, which put the Eagles on the board. They managed to take a four-point lead, 16-12 but two consecutive errors and a kill from Gardner Webb's Kylee Garrison put the Runnin' Bulldogs back within one. Back to back kills from Makayla Doyle followed by a Phoebe Wu kill, then Wu ace, gave the Eagles another four-point lead. Gardner Webb would only score twice more in the set and a solo block by Lily Leistiko gave Winthrop the win.

The second set saw the same 3-0 start but this time it was by the Eagles. But a run by Gardner Webb flipped the score 5-3 in their favor. The Eagles tied the set at 5-5 but would trail through the remainder of the set. After tying the set again at 21-21 they went on a four-point run to finish off the second set. Jace Kleffner led the comeback, gathering 8 kills, one error, and an efficiency of .733 in the frame. The third set was closely contended with the Eagles earning their first chance at match point, 24-23. They could not get it done and the Runnin' Bulldogs managed a 3-0 run and avoided a three-set sweep.

The fourth set looked like the Eagles were going to breeze to a quick win, leading 18-12. Unforced errors by Winthrop attackers and a solid Gardner Webb block gave the Runnin' Bulldogs some late momentum allowing them to get within three, 19-16. The Eagles pushed through with kills from Kleffner and Leistiko to win the set and match.

Kleffner led all attackers with 18 kills, playing in just three sets, and managed an efficiency of .275. Carlie Skelton was one dig off from her career high with 28 digs on the night. Wu continues her all around dominance with 17 kills and 12 digs. Yamaguchi finished with 50 assists and 13 digs while setting her team to a .201.

Up Next
The Eagles play their final match of the regular season this Friday at 6:00 p.m. against High Point University inside the Winthrop Coliseum. There will be a brief ceremony prior the match honoring the four seniors that have dedicated their time and talents to Winthrop Athletics.