LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Gardner-Webb University volleyball team captured its first win of the season after capping off a straight-set sweep against Stony Brook University at the Liberty Invitational on Friday, August 25. 
 
"You never know what to expect in a first match of the year", said Head Coach Eric Plunkett. "It was awesome to see the team compete from start to finish. Our team made some great in-game adjustments and I was proud to see us maintain our positive energy throughout the match."
 
Gardner-Webb was led by a monster debut performance from outside hitter Jenna Otts. The freshman from Saint Johns, Florida led the match with 15 kills on a .265 hitting percentage. Outside hitters Avery Cole and Madison Smith both recorded eight kills while Smith dug up 12 balls and led the match with three service aces.
 
Sophomores Morgan Hornaday and Sophia Kotsovolos led the match in assists and digs, with Hornaday dishing out 34 assists and Kotsovolos digging up 22 balls. Hornaday also led the match with three blocks at the net.
 
Junior middle blocker Autumn Flowers shined in her debut as a Runnin' Bulldog with seven kills on a .500 hitting percentage along with two blocks.
 
The Seawolves kept the first set close with a total of 14 tie scores, but Otts and the 'Dawgs pulled away after three straight kills for the first-year player to win 25-23. 
 
In the second game, SBU maintained a tough skin in the beginning of the set with eight ties. At 17-13, Gardner-Webb would find a rhythm with five straight points to jump in front 22-14, ultimately taking the set 25-15.
 
GWU opened set three with their largest lead of the match at 14-4 with Flowers leading the way with four kills on a .500 hitting percentage. The Seawolves would close the gap at 15-11 but their efforts would not be enough as Gardner-Webb cruised to a 25-19 win.
 
"We had a lot of players playing in their first college matches and it was great to see them work through some jitters and just play volleyball", said Plunkett. "Really proud of the group. Time to get some rest and prepare for two great teams tomorrow."
 
Gardner-Webb concludes the Liberty Tournament Saturday, Aug. 27 with their next games scheduled for 10:00 a.m. against Liberty University and 1:00 p.m. against Bucknell University.