CLEMSON, S.C. – Saturday, Charleston Southern battled back from a pair of deficits to earn a thrilling five-set victory over Western Carolina at the Big Orange Bash. After dropping the opening set, the Buccaneers would take the second and third sets before Western Carolina forced a fifth, where CSU would dominate the decisive period, 15-6, to claim the 3-2 victory.
The highlight of the afternoon would be the fifth set. After Western Carolina took an early 5-4 lead, the Buccaneers would completely take control of the match's final moments. Adeline Wieler sparked the decisive run with a kill from Tristin Sutton, followed by a service ace and a Western Carolina attack error that pushed the Bucs ahead 13-6. Wieler would then connect with Faith Burch for the final point of the match, giving CSU 11 consecutive points to close out the fifth set and secure the victory.
The second set would provide another critical turning point for the Bucs. Trailing 22-17 late in the period, Charleston Southern would score nine of the final 11 points to erase the deficit and take a 26-24 victory. Sutton would play a key role in the comeback, recording a kill before CSU tied the set at 24-24. Sutton would then deliver the go-ahead point with another kill, while a Western Carolina attack error would give the Bucs the set.
Faith Burch would lead the Buccaneer offensive attack with 18 kills, while Dillia Lowry added 15 kills on just 22 attacks for a .636 hitting percentage. Brynn Minter finished with 13 kills, while Surima Akat contributed 12. Sutton would distribute 42 assists while adding three kills, 16 digs and an ace. Presley Morris led the defensive effort with 30 digs, while Minter added 13 and Adeline Wieler recorded 10. Kylee Roberts also made her presence felt at the net with three blocks.
The victory moves Charleston Southern to 1-1 on the season.
Notables:
Up Next:
Tomorrow, August 30th, Charleston Southern will take on Butler at 12:00 PM during the final of the Big Orange Bash in Clemson.
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