NEWBERRY — Consistency proved to be an issue for the Wolves of Newberry College who lost both volleyball matches to close out the Newberry College Invitational tournament.

The Wolves (2-2) dropped its first contest of the day in an intense five set match against Southern Wesleyan (2-1). Both teams battled in the first set with neither one being able to take control.

A late kill by Toni-Anne Whitlow was able to lift the Wolves past Southern Wesleyan 26-24. Whitlow had a team-high 16 kills in the match and was one of three players to post double-digit kills.

The second set limited both teams to increase its lead by no more than four points. With a 1-0 lead under their belt, Newberry fell behind 9-4 early in the third set before powering back to tie the game 16-16. The Wolves used the momentum to go on a 9-4 run to win the set 25-20.

The following two sets proved difficult for the Wolves who dropped two straight sets to give Southern Wesleyan the 3-2 win. Maggie Marsh, Taylor Garrison, Kensley Jordan, and Natalie Willis posted double-digit digs. Sophomore Sidra Triplett had her third straight game with double-digit kills.

In their final match of the evening the Wolves hit the hardwood to face undefeated Lander (4-0) to conclude their tourney. It was a dominating performance for Newberry throughout the first set, leading the Bearcats’ by as many as nine points. The Wolves won the set 25-14.

Lander would fight back to secure the next three sets 25-16, 25-23, and 25-12 and give the Wolves its second loss of the day. Newberry averaged three team blocks on the night while Lander finished with 8.5. Taylor Garrison led the team with 25 assists and five players recorded double-digit digs.

Newberry heads on the road to participate in the Francis Marion University Invitational in Florence. Their first two matches will be on Sept. 8 versus Belmont Abbey and Converse.

During the first day of the invitational, Newberry swept UNC Pembroke (0-2) and North Greenville (0-2) 3-0 in both matchups. Sidra Triplett had a breakout performance leading the Wolves in kills for both games.

Consistency proved to be an issue for the Wolves of Newberry College who lost both volleyball matches to close out the Newberry College Invitational tournament.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Volleyball.jpgConsistency proved to be an issue for the Wolves of Newberry College who lost both volleyball matches to close out the Newberry College Invitational tournament. Courtesy photo

Staff Report