WINGATE, N.C. – In a battle of heavyweights in the South Atlantic Conference standings, the Anderson University volleyball team found themselves on the unfavorable side of a 3-1 decision with Wingate on the road on Friday, October 27.
The Trojans were led offensively by senior Jaelyn Grimm (Cedar Park, Texas) who was able to tally 13 kills on the evening. Senior Rylie Sargent (Greer, S.C.) and sophomore Kaitlyn Barnett (Inman, S.C.) each added 10 as well. Sophomore Savannah Cox (Simpsonville, S.C.) led the team with 19 digs while senior Jenna Long (Clearwater, Fla.) chipped in 46 assists.
After falling behind by a pair of points early in the set, the Trojans were able to take control at the 6-5 mark and never relinquished their lead again throughout the set. Throughout the first set the Trojans had an answer for every point the Bulldogs were able to put on the board, further extending their lead out to a set-high six at 21-15. Though Wingate was able to outscore the Trojans 6-4 down the stretch, Anderson wrapped up the opening set 25-21.
The second set was one for the ages with neither team giving an inch in the opening section. After tying the set at 7-7, the Bulldogs strung together another three points in a row to take the 10-7 advantage. Anderson was able to close that gap to just one at 13-12, but Wingate again turned in three straight points to take their lead to 16-12. The Trojans again were able to bring the margin to just one point, but Wingate answered with three two-point runs to take the set 25-21.
An early battle ensued again in the third set with Anderson holding the slight advantage at the 10-9 mark. Similarly to the second set, the Bulldogs were able to use a three-point run to take the lead back at 12-10. The Trojans matched their performance from the second set and closed the gap to just one, but a three-point and a four-point run by the Bulldogs furthered their lead to 21-15. Anderson was only able to score two more points in the set as Wingate took the 25-17 win.
The fourth set started all-AU as they were able to take the first three points of the set. They continued to lead 8-6 before the Bulldogs again strung together four points to swing the advantage to their side of the scoreboard at 10-8. Anderson continued to pour on the offense as they were able to re-take the lead and extend it to 17-13. Three ties found their way onto the scoreboard, including one at 24-24, but Wingate wrapped up the extra points section of the set quickly with a pair of points to take the set and the match, 26-24.
Anderson returns to Abney Athletic Center on Tuesday, October 31 as they welcome in Lenoir-Rhyne for a 7:00 p.m. first serve.
