SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Gardner-Webb volleyball team dropped a straight-set decision at USC Upstate in the team's first road Big South Conference matchup of the season.
 
Gardner-Webb (2-12, 0-3 Big South) dropped all three sets to USC Upstate (4-9, 1-1 Big South) by scores of 26-24, 25-14, and 25-21.  The Runnin' Bulldogs totaled 26 kills on 103 swings for a .117 hitting percentage, while the Spartans collected 44 kills on 107 swings for a .196 hitting rate.
 
Maria Emmick led the Runnin' Bulldogs with seven kills on the evening, closely followed by Elizabeth Griffith with six smashes.  Abbey Sprinkle dished out a team-high 16 assists.
 
Charissa Coleman had seven digs, while Alexandria Roycraft had one solo block and five block assists to lead that effort.
 
USC Upstate's offense was paced by Emily Russell, who collected 13 kills throughout the night, while Annalisa Mendoza had a match-best 39 assists.
 
Scout Hoffmeier led the Spartans with 13 digs, while Gloria Ikenegbu had a team-best four block assists.
 
Gardner-Webb remains on the road, squaring off against UNC Asheville tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm, with live coverage on ESPN+.