ROCK HILL, SC – Winthrop swept the Runnin' Bulldogs in three sets for the second consecutive night, this time 25-20, 25-17 and 25-22. The Eagles have now won their last three matches, improving to 5-3 on the season.
 
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Emily Wunder (10 kills)
Nikkia Benitez (12 digs)
Brookelynn Thomas (26 attack)
Isabel Schaefbauer (18 assists)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Eagles jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead over Gardner-Webb in set 1. A 4-0 for the Runnin' Bulldogs made it a one-point set, 10-9 in favor of the Eagles. Back-to-back errors for Gardner-Webb and then a Nikkia Benitez kill put Winthrop ahead, 20-13 and Gardner-Webb needs a timeout. Out of the break, the Runnin' Bulldogs outscored the Eagles, 7-5 but with Winthrop's big lead, it was enough to secure the 25-20 set win.
 
Winthrop dominated in set 2, winning 25-17. The Eagles posted a 7-1 run early to pull ahead by four, 14-7. Out of the timeout, both teams exchanged three-point runs with Winthrop hanging on to the 17-11 lead. Winthrop scored four points to secure set 2, 25-17.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs put up a fight in Set 3, jumping out to a 14-6 lead over the Eagles with seven unanswered points. The Eagles steadily clawed their way back and eventually taking the lead with an 11-1 run. Four unanswered points late in the set saw the Runnin' Bulldogs within one of tying things up, 23-22. Back-to-back attack errors from Gardner-Webb gave Winthrop the 25-22 set win, as well as the 3-0 match sweep.  
 
UP NEXT
The Eagles will hit the road to High Point to take on the Panthers, Mar. 11-12. High Point has won six or the last 10 meetings with the Eagles.