Rock Hill, S.C. – The very highly anticipated match between the top two teams in Big South volleyball did not disappoint.  The Eagles remain perfect in the conference after sweeping the High Point Panthers in straight sets (26-24, 25-16, 25-20). This win preserves the Eagle's perfect home record (8-0), as well as keeps them at the top of the Big South standings as the only undefeated team in conference (6-0). The Eagles have not lost a set to High Point since 2017, keeping them perfect over the Panthers in the Chuck Rey era. 
 
How It Happened
The Eagles got off to a slow start in the first set, trailing 13-3 and struggled to find the floor.  Benitez sparked some energy with two monster kills to help the Eagles as they worked their way out of the deficit. Morgan Bossler came up with a big block out of the High Point timeout and the Eagles continued to build momentum. The Eagles took their first set lead, 23-22, after a kill from Benitez; the outside hitter finished with 6 kills, no errors, and the set-winning kill to lead the Eagles comeback.  
 
A huge block by Emily Wunder broke a 9-9 tie and sparked a 3-0 run in the second set. The Panthers could not find an answer for the Eagle's offense as Winthrop put their foot on the gas to extend their lead, 17-11. Two kills from Makayla Doyle and a Siani Yamaguchi stuff block closed out the set to give the Eagles a 2-0 match lead. 
 
Panthers came out hot in the third set, attempting to avoid a sweep. Morgan Bossler found the floor with a kill to stop a four-point run by the Panthers. The Eagles continued to play from behind but chipped away point by point until a kill from Bossler gave them the set lead, 16-15. Tough serving and blocking proved to be the difference in the set. 
 
Inside the Box Score
Makayla Doyle recorded a season and match high 14 kills with just one error. Nikkia Benitez joined Doyle in double-digit kills with 10 and also added 11 digs and three key service aces. Morgan Bossler had a huge night at the net, finishing with eight blocks.
 
Up Next 
The Eagles are back in action tomorrow for a 2:00 p.m. match against the Radford Highlanders.