Bulldogs Fall in Five-Set Thriller

Saturday, October 29

Charleston, S.C.

6 PM

The Citadel

8-20, 1-11SoCon

Chattanooga

15-10, 8-4SoCon

Team	1	2	3	4	5	Final F
Chattanooga	24	25	12	25	17	3
The Citadel	26	21	25	16	15	2

Photo by: Zach Bland

10/29/2016 9:42:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Looking for its first win in program history against Chattanooga, the Citadel volleyball team came up just short in a five set loss 24-26, 25-21, 12-25, 25-16 and 17-15 on Saturday night at McAlister Field House.

The Bulldogs (8-20, 1-11) were a point away from claiming the match, leading 15-14 in the fifth set. Chattanooga (15-10, 8-4 SoCon) came back with the final three points, however, narrowly escaping the night with the five-set victory.

The fifth set was a whirlwind of back-and-forth action, with 10 tie scores and seven lead changes. The Bulldogs held the largest lead of the set at 13-10, but the Mocs answered with four straight points to get the first match point. The Bulldogs responded with two points of their own to turn the tides, before Chattanooga ultimately claimed the match.

Outside hitter Moriah Smith led the attack for the Bulldogs, posting her seventh 20 kill performance of the season with 22. The junior hit .206 for the match, recorded 15 digs, one solo block and one block assist.

On the defensive side, defensive specialist Gracie Barnes led the team with 28 digs, followed by libero Samantha Espy with 24. Middle hitter Dominique Williams led the team with two solo blocks and four block assists, adding six kills and a .462 hitting percentage. Right-side hitter Megan Sowell added 10 kills and setter Logan Smith led the team with 30 assists.

The Bulldogs opened the match with a 26-24 first set victory, grabbing the final two points on a kill by Jen Barbot and a block by Barbot and Williams. The opener set the intensity for each point with 10 tie scores.

After falling in set two, the Bulldogs quickly grabbed the lead back with a dominant third set. Despite hitting .160, the Bulldogs cruised to a 25-12 victory, due in large part to recording five service aces, three blocks and holding the Mocs to a -.125 hitting percentage.

Chattanooga answered with a dominant set of their own in the fourth, winning 25-16 to force the deciding fifth set.

The Bulldogs will be on their final road trip of the regular season next week, visiting UNCG and Wofford. The Citadel will be at UNCG on Friday at 7 p.m. and at Wofford on Saturday at 2 p.m.

For more information on The Citadel volleyball follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.