CHARLESTON, S.C. – After a tough Friday match with Presbyterian College, the Gardner-Webb volleyball team (8-9, 2-3) responded with a huge straight-set sweep over Charleston Southern University (7-12,1-4), Saturday, October 7 in Big South Conference matinee action. 
 
Freshman outside hitter Jenna Otts continued her monster first-year campaign with a pounding 20 kills, making this her third 20-kill performance of her career. She also recorded a .421 hitting percentage on 38 total attacks to lead the 'Dawgs offense. Sophomore outside hitter Serena Kohler had an impressive day as well collecting seven kills, with no errors on 18 attacks. Kohler also finished with a .389 hitting percentage. Sophomore setter Rebecca Siedenburg hit a career-high in assists, after previously doing so the night before, dishing out 38 on the night.
 
"It was good to see the response today after a tough loss last night and quick turnaround," said head coach Eric Plunkett. "We came out focused and executed our scout very well. We knew how important it was to win serve and pass, and we did that in each set. Charleston Southern's offense is extremely high powered in system so it was good to serve tough."
 
The 'Dawgs opened set one with a close 5-4 score before Gardner-Webb ignited a 9-2 run to step in front at 14-6. Gardner-Webb would hold that lead close but allow the Bucs to cut into the score late. With the 'Dawgs at set point (24-20), Charleston Southern caught fire to tie things up forcing the set into extra points. A kill by Otts and an attack error on CSU gave the 'Dawgs a 26-24 opening set victory. 
 
Beginning set two, Gardner-Webb secured an early 8-3 lead and never allowed the Bucs to jump in front. CSU did manage to tie the score at 19-19 giving GWU another scare late in the set, but that would not be enough as the 'Dawgs earned a 2-0 lead with a 25-21 win. 
 
The third set looked to be a back-and-forth affair until a Buc's 14-12 lead would be eaten up by the Runnin' Bulldogs. Six straight points including two kills by Otts and two aces by freshman outside hitter Madison Smith gave GWU a 18-14 advantage. The Bucs continued their tough play late when Gardner-Webb led 24-19 and would see that margin drop after three straight points by CSU (24-22). The late efforts would not be enough, leading to a sweep by the 'Dawgs. 
 
"This weekend showed we still have a lot of things to work on before next weekend," said Plunkett. "We are excited to get back to work next week."
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to the dog house to host two matches beginning with UNC Asheville on Friday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 p.m. and concluding with USC Upstate on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 4:00 p.m.