Rock Hill, S.C. – Playing in front of the Eagle faithful for the first time this season, Winthrop fell to Eastern Kentucky in straight sets by a final score of 3-0 (16-25, 24-26, 18-25).
Winthrop (0-10, 0-0 Big South) | Eastern Kentucky (9-2, 0-0 Atlantic Sun)
Sep. 15, 2023 | Winthrop Coliseum
Winthrop 0, Eastern Kentucky 3 (16-25, 24-26, 18-25)
How it Happened
Set 1 | The teams split the first 10 points to start the match, with the Eagle points coming on two kills by
Brookelynn Thomas, kills by
Avery Jolley,
Rachel McCollum and
Karli Shepherd. The visitors used a 13-5 run to take control of the first set, taking an 18-10 lead. Winthrop went on a mini 4-1 run to cut it to five at 19-14. But that's as close as the Eagles would get the rest of the set, as EKU scored six of the final eight points to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
Set 2 | The Eagles and the Colonels split the first 14 points to begin the second set. Shepherd led the way with two kills during the initial start to the set. The teams then traded points on the next 13 plays, with six of the Winthrop points being on errors against Eastern Kentucky. The sixth errors put Winthrop in the lead 14-13. The Colonels then went on a 9-2 run to take a 22-16 lead. Trailing by six, the Eagles rallied to tie it up at 24 with an 8-2 run. Jolley's kill capped off the rally. During the offensive outburst, Jolley had three kills and the Eagles actually scored six straight. But EKU scored the next two points to capture the second set.
Set 3 | Winthrop scored the first three points of the third set before the Colonels scored seven straight points themselves. Trailing 7-3, the two teams then split the next 20 points, leaving Winthrop still down 17-13. Then down 19-13, the Eagles gave one final push, cutting it to 20-17. The Colonels ended the day by scoring five of the last six points to take the match.
Statistical Leaders
Notables
- The Eagles have played 1,784 matches all-time as the program holds a mark of 1,058-726.
- Winthrop had more blocks in the match, 10-8.
- Shepherd led the Eagles in kills with eight.
- Thomas led the Eagles in blocks with six.
- Isabella Murray led the Eagles in assists with 12.
- Madison Gorniak led the Eagles in digs with 11.
UP NEXT
The Eagles will take on South Carolina tomorrow night at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
FOLLOW US!
For all the up-to-date information on Winthrop Volleyball, follow along on Twitter at @winthropvolley and Instagram at winthropvolleyball.
