CLINTON, S.C. – The Gardner-Webb volleyball team (7-9, 1-3) were defeated in four sets, Friday, October 6 against Presbyterian College (6-9, 4-0) who remain perfect in Big South Conference play.
Freshman outside hitter
Jenna Otts led the Runnin' Bulldogs with 15 kills on a .250 hitting percentage. Junior middle blocker
Autumn Flowers followed Otts with 10 kills and an impressive .500 hitting percentage. Sophomore setter
Rebecca Siedenburg set a career-high in assists and digs with 31 and seven for Gardner-Webb. Sophomore libero
Sophia Kotsovolos dug up 11 balls to lead the 'Dawgs side.
"Presbyterian's offense put our defense in a lot of tough spots," said head coach Eric Plunkett.
The Blue Hose secured the first two sets beginning with a tight first set. Presbyterian led by a mainly large margin before the Runnin' Bulldogs answered late to shrink the lead at 15-17. PC would not allow GWU to breach its lead after the tight score resulting in a 25-19 win for the Blue Hose. With the 'Dawgs in front at 9-7 in set two, the Blue Hose would aim for a huge answer. From the 9-7 score, Presbyterian outscored Gardner-Webb 18-3 in the final stages of the second set finishing 25-12.
Gardner-Webb avoided the sweep by taking set three with a massive comeback in the final points. With a score of 19-17, the Blue Hose looked to close out the match. An emphatic 8-0 run for the 'Dawgs allowed them to steal a set from Presbyterian which included two big kills from Flowers to send both sides into a fourth set. The Runnin' Bulldogs could not overcome the Blue Hose offense in set four, ultimately falling 25-15 to give Presbyterian its fifth win in a row.
"We need to continue to be disciplined on the defensive side of the ball while maintaining consistency with our offense," said Plunkett. We will look to do that tomorrow versus another strong offensive team in Charleston Southern. We are excited to get an opportunity to respond tomorrow after this tough loss."
The Runnin' Bulldogs conclude their two-game road trip tomorrow, Oct. 7 with a matinee contest against Charleston Southern University at 2:00 p.m.
