BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Despite a win in the first set, The Citadel volleyball team fell to USC Upstate on Friday at the Runnin' Bulldogs Classic hosted by Gardner-Webb inside Paul Porter Arena.
 
The Bulldogs (1-4) hit a hot streak in the first set, taking a quick 8-1 advantage over the Spartans. USC Upstate (5-0) responded, knotting the score at 15-15 before The Citadel edged them in a 27-25 win.  
 
"This was definitely a match we had the potential to win," head coach Craig Mosqueda said. "Upstate did make some adjustments to their lineup, but we had the ability to finish and win. We have a lot of volleyball left and many opportunities to get better."
 
Sophomore Moriah Smith posted her fourth double-double of the season, with a match-high 17 kills and 13 digs.
 
Senior captain Rachel Keefer recorded a match-high 38 assists and four blocks while earning a hitting percentage of .400.
 
Junior Megan Sowell hit a match-high five service aces along with eight kills, while junior captain Samantha Espy earned a match-high 27 digs.
 
The Bulldogs will wrap up tournament play Saturday against Gardner-Webb at 12:30 p.m. and Southeast Missouri State at 4:30 p.m. Live stats will be available at CitadelSports.com.
 
For more information on The Citadel Volleyball, follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.
 
Tournament Schedule
Saturday, September 5, 2015    
10:00 am           Southeast Missouri State vs. USC Upstate        
12:30 pm          Gardner-Webb vs. The Citadel               
4:30 pm            The Citadel vs. Southeast Missouri State
7:00 pm            Gardner-Webb vs. USC Upstate