CHALRESTON S.C. – The Citadel volleyball team earned a win against Charleston Southern in its home opener on Tuesday night in McAlister Field House.  
 
The Bulldogs' victory is the first against CSU since 2012.
 
"First, I want to thank all of our fans for coming out and supporting us," head coach Craig Mosqueda said. "The past three weeks we have discussed finishing the match and not getting rattled when we are in the 20s with opponents. Tonight we executed at the end, stayed calm, minimized our errors and finished strong."
 
The Bulldogs (5-7) claimed the match in five sets, winning the second and third before taking Charleston Southern (3-9) in the fifth with a nail-biting 17-15 win.
 
Senior Bailey Kernodle led the offensive attack for the Bulldogs, recording a match-high 19 kills and 17 digs for her sixth double-double of the season, while earning an impressive .350 attack percentage.
 
Sophomore Moriah Smith recorded her ninth overall double-double with 17 kills and 16 digs. The outside hitter currently leads the Southern Conference in double-doubles.
 
Senior Rachel Keefer returned as the starting setter for The Citadel, providing a match-high 41 assists and six digs.
 
Junior Samantha Espy posted two service aces for the Bulldogs, along with a match-high 28 digs and six assists.
 
The Citadel will return to McAlister Field house this weekend as they host The Citadel Tournament. The Bulldogs will take on UNC Asheville Friday at 6:30 p.m., North Florida at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and wrap up the tournament against Wright State at 5 p.m. Saturday.
 
For more information on The Citadel Volleyball, follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.