Erskine Athleitcs
Andrew Preston, Sports Information Director
DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College women’s volleyball team defeated Carolina University 25-23, 27-25, 25-22 in the NCCAA South regional match in Belk Arena on Tuesday.
The Fleet and Bruins had met just once before tonight’s match with the Fleet losing the road match in five sets. The all-time series is now tied 1-1.
THE MATCH
Set 1: After surrendering the match’s first point, the Fleet did not trail for the first time until midway through the opening set at 14-13. Carolina led by as many as three on a couple of different occasions, but the Fleet stormed back late to tie the set at 19-19. Kaile Tuisamatatele connected for a three of the Fleet’s 12 kills in the opening set. With the set tied 23-23, the Bruins committed back-to-back errors allowing the first set to fall to the Fleet 25-23.
Set 2: The Fleet secured the opening point of the second set and opened up an early 6-2 lead. An attack error from the Bruins allotted the Fleet their largest lead of the second set at 12-6. From there Carolina found its way back into the set at 16-16. The Fleet secured the second set on their second set point attempt and after fending off a threat from the Bruins to level the match at a set a piece. The set was won 27-25.
Set 3: Except in the early going, the Fleet remained in control of the third set most of the way. A pair of 3-0 runs helped propel Erskine ahead and gain control of the final set. With the match tied at 20-20, a 3-0 Fleet run gave the home side a cushion and ultimately helped them to a 25-22 set and match win.
Reilly Bartlett led the Fleet with 12 kills and 15 assists. Bartlett also contributed seven digs and totaled 13 points. The Fleet hit .288 (48 K, 18 E, 104 TA) for the game including a match best .410 (20 K, 4 E, 39 TA) in the third set.
Erskine qualifies for the NCCAA National tournament which runs Nov. 19-21. The University of Northwestern is set to host the tournament in St. Paul, Minnesota.