North Charleston, S.C. The Bulldogs (2-5) battled the Buccaneers of Charleston Southern to four tough matches before dropping a 3-1 decision. The Citadel fell short of a repeat from last season when they took the Buccaneers into five sets before taking the match 3-2.
The Bulldogs couldn't quite handle the speed and strength of the Buccaneers, who carried their momentum from the weekend into the match. The Buccaneers came off of a 2-1 record in the Runnin' Bulldog Classic, where they upset the undefeated Midshipmen of Navy, dominated Winston-Salem State and lost a tough match up against the Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb.
“Charleston Southern really played well,” said Head Coach Carolyn Geiger. “Amanda Hill had an incredible game and we couldn't stop her. We needed to block more effectively, play better defense and not make so many hitting and serving errors. We needed more offensive output and we didn't get that tonight.”
The strength of Charleston Southern's outside hitters was too much for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs fell behind early in the first set and were unable to jump ahead of the Buccaneers. After a few close comebacks, the Buccaneers took control, taking the set 25-17. The Bucs had 14 kills and 30 total attacks, while the Bulldogs had six kills and 20 total attacks.
In the second set, the Bulldogs fell behind early and were unable to make a comeback. The Bucs dominated on the offensive and defensive ends of the ball, keeping the Bulldogs off of the scoreboard. The Citadel fought back, but they were unable to take control, falling 25-17. It was a much better offensive set for the Bulldogs who recorded 13 kills and 35 total attacks.
Determined to take a set away from the Buccaneers, the Bulldogs fought back in the third set, dominating on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The Citadel came to life and the momentum began to swing in their direction. It was a back and forth battle, but when the Bulldogs took the lead at 21-20, they kept it and were determined to take the set. Taking the game down to the wire, the Bulldogs pulled out a victory, winning 26-24, after a kill by Shannon Frain. The Bulldogs tallied 12 kills and 38 total attacks.
The last set was a seesaw battle between both teams. With several lead changes, both teams had a hard time securing the lead and taking control. Down 2-1, the Bulldogs were looking to take the match into five sets. The Citadel was down for most of the set, but tied the set up at 12-12. With the score tied, the Bulldogs took control, grabbing hold of the lead. A few errors and a few hard attacks allowed the set to slip away, allowing the Bucs to take a 20-18 lead and they took control of the set. The Bucs took the fourth and final set 25-20. The Citadel recorded 11 kills and 35 total attacks.
The Bulldogs finished with 42 kills, 128 total attacks, 39 assists, five service aces and 48 digs on the match. On the offensive end, Jessica Maas dominated for the Bulldogs. Maas finished with 10 kills on 26 total attacks and nine digs. Ashley Winter contributed on defense with nine digs, while Emily Hill had eight.
The Citadel Bulldogs are back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 16 when they host the Aggies of North Carolina A&T at McAlister Field House for their home-opener. Live stats will be available for the match, as well as a live video stream. For more information on Bulldog Volleyball, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.
