CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Gardner-Webb volleyball team won both contests on the final day of the Chattanooga Classic with a win against Eastern Michigan University in four sets and a five-set win over the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Saturday, September 16. Sophomore setter Paige Bernstein had a career day in the two matches, tallying career-highs in assists with 45, digs with 18, kills with six, and service aces with five. 
 
Bernstein and freshman outside hitter Madison Smith were the two 'Dawgs to land on the All-Tournament Team this weekend.
 
"We had so many players step up at different times through both matches; we needed everyone's contribution," said head coach Eric Plunkett. "I'm proud of the resolve and resilience of this group. Days like today really showcase the potential of this team."
 
In game one, the 'Dawgs (5-6) finished with four players in double-digits for kills. Junior outside hitter Avery Cole led the pack with 11 kills on a .320 hit percentage. Junior middle Autumn Flowers along with freshmen outsides Jenna Otts and Smith each registered 10 kills. Smith dug up 12 balls to seize her first double-double as a Runnin' Bulldog. 
 
Freshman libero Molly Littlefield added to the successful serving from Gardner-Webb with five aces while freshman middle blocker Paige Hoeder captured three aces also. Bernstein dished out 34 assists and picked up 10 digs against Eastern Michigan (2-10).
 
Opening the first set, the 'Dawgs never trailed EMU, holding multiple six-point leads before the Eagles clawed back within one point (20-19) at the end. Gardner-Webb finished business scoring the next five points to take game one. Despite Gardner-Webb leading 6-1 to open the second set, it featured eight tie scores and five lead changes. With the score at 9-9, the back-and-forth battle began with the Eagles finding a way to steal a tight 25-22 win. The third set started out similarly to set two remaining close for a majority before a handful of errors from Eastern Michigan gave GWU a window to pull away with a 25-20 score. The Eagles managed to keep it close in the opening of set four with the score at 10-9, but the 'Dawgs found a spark and outscored EMU 15-8 to receive their first victory of the tournament.
 
In game two, Otts had her best outing of the season with 22 kills while recording a .326 hit percentage. Cole picked up a season-high 12 kills and a .357 hit percentage while Smith landed in double-digits as well with 11 kills. 
 
Flowers was a huge piece on defense for Gardner-Webb racking up seven total blocks. Sophomore libero Sophia Kotsovolos, Bernstein, and junior libero Kayla Hawkins all picked up double-digit digs with 26, 18, and 17.
 
The Mocs would take an insanely tight 25-22 first set after 16 tie scores and nine lead changes. Chattanooga (11-3) opened up set two with an emphatic 7-1 lead before the 'Dawgs would take a timeout. Out of the timeout, Gardner-Webb responded with seven straight points to jump in front 8-7. GWU would once again respond with six straight points down 8-10, to reclaim the lead at 14-10. The 'Dawgs never trailed the rest of the set winning 25-20. In set three, the Mocs gained ground cruising to a 25-15 win giving them a 2-1 edge heading into set four. The Runnin' Bulldogs returned the favor with a huge 25-16 while hitting an excellent .500 hit percentage. Gardner-Webb carried that momentum into the fifth set despite nine tie scores and five lead changes to beat Chattanooga on the home floor 15-11.  
 
"All week we have been working on consistency and being a great teammate," said Plunkett. "We played today as a united team and that energy and positivity carried us to great wins against two strong opponents."
 
Gardner-Webb volleyball will visit Queens University of Charlotte for its next matchup on Tuesday, Sep. 19 at 7:00 p.m.
 
All-Tournament Team
Gylian Finch, OH, Chattanooga (MVP)
Kate Neil, MB, Chattanooga
Chard'e Vanzandt, OH, Chattanooga
Madison Smith, OH, Gardner-Webb
Paige Bernstein, S, Gardner-Webb
Maycie Welborn, RS, Morehead State
Irene Wogenstahl, MB, Morehead State
Hannah Howard, DS/L, Eastern Michigan