Over the weekend, Charleston Southern volleyball completed their first two conference matches of the season.

Friday afternoon, the Bucs arrived at the Dedmon Center to face the Highlanders of Radford. After nearly two full weeks without a match, due to Hurricane Helene scheduling complications, CSU was ready to not only take the court once again but this time for their first conference competition.

The first set left zero doubt that this Big South battle would be a close one. The Highlanders would take the set 31-29, but everyone in the gym understood whoever won this match would have to scrap for every single point. The second set would also be a two-point victory, also in favor of Radford.

Conference play applies a unique style of pressure to the team from out of town, and in the Bucs' first league match of the season, Radford's home court advantage was apparent as the Highlanders took home the third set and a match win.

Faith Burch recorded 13 kills with an impressive .428 attacking percentage. Skylar Yates led the squad in their two primary scoring columns, posting 15 kills and 17.5 points. Brenna Rowland led the group in total blocks with 5, as well as adding 6 kills of her own. Off the bench, sophomore Luana Carvalho added 6 kills and 8.5 points to the CSU offensive effort.

The CSU setter-duo of Ilaria Durante and Tristin Sutton did what they always do, dish out a healthy handful of assists. Durante accumulated 22 assists in the three-set match, while the true freshman Sutton added 17 of her own.

On day two of the Buccaneer's opening conference weekend, they would take on the Panthers of High Point. The Panthers are led by three Big South Preseason Award winners: Dylan Maberry (Preseason Player of the Year), Allie Gray (Preseason Setter of the Year), and Jordyn Schilling (Preseason Libero of the Year).

The home court advantage showed for HPU as the Panthers took down CSU in three sets. Skylar Yates picked up a handful of kills to add to her season total as she approaches the 200 kill mark.

Charleston Southern returns to the Buc Dome next weekend to take on Gardner-Webb and Winthrop for their second weekend of conference play. For all the most up-to-date content and coverage of CSU Volleyball, follow the team on Instagram and X/Twitter @csubucs_vb.