CHARLESTON, S.C. – In the final match played on the McAlister Field House court for the seniors, The Citadel volleyball team was unable to come away with a victory, falling to Western Carolina in three sets 25-18, 25-18 and 25-14 on Saturday.

Before the match, seniors Samantha Espy, Megan Sowell, Maureen Wilkinson and Dominique Williams were honored for their four-year careers with the team.

Espy finished the match with 22 digs, increasing her career total to 1,430. She is just 21 digs away from breaking the all-time program record, set by Rachel Sanders (2005-08).

Sowell recorded four kills, 10 digs and three block assists to lead the team. Williams and Wilkinson each recorded a kill for the Bulldogs in their final home matches.

Outside hitter Moriah Smith led the way offensively with 12 kills. Middle hitter Sarah Dobrich added five kills and three block assists. Setter Logan Smith recorded 16 assists.

The Bulldogs (8-24, 1-15 SoCon) held Western Carolina (11-18, 6-10 SoCon) to a .235 hitting percentage, but hit just .042 themselves. They finished with nine errors in each of the first two sets, before recording just five in the third set to hit a match high .132.

The Bulldogs will move onto postseason play as the Southern Conference Championships begin on Nov. 19 in Birmingham, Alabama. The Citadel will be the No. 9 seed in the tournament and either rematch with Western Carolina or face Furman in the opening round. The Bulldogs defeated Furman on Oct. 16.

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