Rock Hill, S.C. – Winthrop Volleyball became the undisputed Big South Champions after sweeping Campbell in the championship match
(25-21, 25-23, 25-23). This is the sixth championship in program history and first Big South crown for the Eagles since 2006.
How It Happened
Emily Wunder opened the first set with back to back kills, coupled with a stuff block from
Nikkia Benitez, and the Eagles were up to a 3-0 start. Campbell's offense started firing and they tied the set, 8-8, then again 15-15 after trailing by four going into the media timeout. The Eagles managed to stay out in front of the Camels and reached set point after a Campbell error.
Campbell came out swinging in the second set and the Eagles struggled to find an answer. A kill from
Makayla Doyle broke the Campbell scoring run, 11-6. A stuff block and a kill from
Morgan Bossler brought the Eagles back within three, 13-10. Campbell continued to pull away but back to back attack errors from the Camels put the Eagles back within two, 22-20. The Eagles continued on a 7-1 run for the win.
The Eagles continued on their 7-1 theme and jumped to a 7-1 start in the third set, with 6 kills on 7 attempts. Despite their lead, Campbell was not letting the Eagles off easy, coming back within one point, 23-22.
Emily Wunder put the icing on the cake with the match winning kill.
All Tournament Team
Siani Yamaguchi, Winthrop (MVP)
Morgan Bossler, Winthrop
Nikkia Benitez, Winthrop
Lailah Green, Campbell
Madee Miner, Campbell
Gabrielle Idlebird, High Point
Trinity Williams, Presbyterian College
Inside the Box Score
Nikkia Benitez led the Eagles with 12 kills and no errors for a .500 attacking percentage, and also picked up 11 digs.
Morgan Bossler finished just behind Benitez, with 10 kills and three blocks. Tournament MVP,
Siani Yamaguchi, finished with 36 assists and 10 digs.
Up Next
With this win, the Eagles will advance to the NCAA Regionals. Location and opponent to be announced on December 1
stat the NCAA Volleyball Selection Show at 8:30 p.m., on ESPNU.
