Charleston, S.C. The Citadel dropped a tough match to Furman Sunday afternoon in McAlister Field House.  The first two games were closer than the score showed as the Bulldogs played very well. However, game three was very frustrating as the Bulldogs had a hard time getting anything going. The Citadel struggled as they made a lot of hitting and receiving errors, which made it hard for them to gain the momentum they needed. Game scores were 30-23, 30-23 and 30-12.
 
Game one was exciting as there was an instant struggle for momentum early in the game. The Citadel would then fall behind, but would not let the game get out of reach. The Bulldogs would struggle hitting .111 to Furman's .371 hitting percentage. The Dogs played hard but could never overcome the deficit as they dropped game one to Furman 30-23.

The second game was much like game one as neither team could get an early edge. The Citadel would then manufacture a 5-0 run to jump out ahead 10-6. Furman would get back in the game with a 6-2 exchange that would tie the game at 12. The race was on as the two teams battled back and forth tying five more times. With the game locked at 22, The Citadel allowed the Paladins to go on a 7-0 run to distance themselves from the Bulldogs. The Citadel could not regain momentum after the run and let game two slip away 30-23.

In Game three, The Citadel would fall behind early 13-6 to Furman. The Citadel seemed to get their focus back, but a 4-0 by the Paladins would frustrate the Bulldogs. The Dogs fought hard to get back in the game and would not give up. The ball wasn't bouncing in the Bulldogs' favor as some awkward transitions aided a Paladin 6-0 run to put the score at 26-11. The Bulldogs lost game three frustratingly 30-12 and the match.

“Furman is a tough and talented team,” said head coach Carolyn Geiger. “They put up a huge block which we didn't compensate for. We need several players in double-digit kills and digs, and we didn't have that today. We can't allow 20 hitting errors and 10 receiving in a match.”

The Citadel (4-20, 0-9 SoCon) looks to rebound when they host South Carolina State Tuesday, Oct.16 at 7 p.m. in McAlister Field House.

For complete coverage of Bulldog Volleyball, visit the official home of The Citadel Athletics at CitadelSports.com.