DURHAM, N.C. – Despite a 21-kill performance from freshman outside hitter Jenna Otts and pushing the contest to a fifth set, Gardner-Webb volleyball (1-3) came up short after North Carolina Central University captured a tight 3-2 victory on Friday, September 1. 
 
Along with a game-high in kills, Otts registered a .277 hitting percentage on 47 attacks. Sophomore outside hitter McKenna Timmerman tailed Otts in double-digit kills with 10. 
 
Sophomore libero Sophia Kotsovolos led the game in digs with 19 while also dishing out nine assists and recording three service aces. Sophomore setter Morgan Hornaday handed out 24 assists in the effort as well.
 
After back-and-forth points to begin set one, Gardner-Webb (1-3) jumped in front at 4-3 and would never trail again taking set one in extra points 27-25. Otts and freshman outside hitter Madison Smith combined for eight kills in the opening set.
 
The Eagles would take the next two sets including a tight third set to grab a 2-1 lead. In set three, the 'Dawgs led by as many as nine points before NC Central went on a 17-5 run, escaping 25-22. The Runnin' Bulldogs had an incredible fourth set to even the game after hitting a .444 hitting percentage in a 25-16 win. NC Central then fled with a tense 15-12 final set. 
 
Gardner-Webb returns to the floor with a quick turnaround as they host NC Central in the Runnin' Bulldogs home opener tomorrow Sep. 2 at 4 p.m. in the Paul Porter Arena.