CHARLESTON, S.C. – Outside hitter Moriah Smith set a program-record with 35 kills in a match, leading the Bulldogs to a 3-2 victory over Gardner-Webb in the finale of the Bulldog Battle on Saturday.

"This was great start for us and a great weekend to finally test some of the things we have been working on," said head coach Craig Mosqueda. "We definitely have room to grow, but we saw a lot of good things from the team. I am really proud of the girls and their efforts this weekend."

Smith hit .342 for the match and was dominant in the deciding fifth set with seven kills. Setter Logan Smith finished with 67 assists, the second most in a match in Bulldogs' history.

The Citadel won its third straight first set to start the season, defeating Gardner-Webb 25-17 to open the match. In set two, the Bulldogs rallied from a 19-13 deficit to send the set to extra points. With the score tied at 26, the visiting Gardner-Webb Bulldogs took the next two points to even the match at one set apiece.

In set three, the Bulldogs hit a match-high .395 from the floor to cruise to a 25-14 victory. Smith led the way with six kills and a .600 hitting percentage, followed by right-side hitter Megan Sowell with four kills.

Gardner-Webb responded a second time with a 25-18 fourth set victory, sending the match to a deciding fifth set. In the finale, Smith led the way with seven kills, propelling the team to victory while breaking an almost 17 year old record for kills. Smith also set a new Bulldog record with 79 total attacks.

Sowell finished second on the team with 18 kills and a .279 hitting percentage. Libero Samantha Espy posted 32 digs to lead all players. Moriah Smith helped out defensively as well with 20 digs, while Logan Smith and outside hitter Carla Bruce each dug 16.

Moriah Smith and Logan Smith were each named to the Bulldog Battle all-tournament team. Moriah finished with 69 total kills and 56 digs for the tournament, while Logan had 104 assists with 40 digs and two block assists defensively. The Bulldogs finished tied with Morehead State with a 2-1 record at the Bulldog Battle with The Citadel defeating Morehead State 3-2 in the opening match of the tournament.

Outside hitter Merideth Jewell and middle blocker Sydney Schuler were named all-tournament from Morehead State. Jewell finished with 66 kills, a .246 hitting percentage and 52 digs. Schuler had 43 kills and nine block assists.

For Gardner-Webb, libero Emma Milstead and middle blocker Jene Lee were given all-tournament honors. Milstead led the Bulldogs with 81 digs and three service aces, while Lee finished with 28 kills, 12 total blocks and a .270 hitting percentage.

Robert Morris' Arden Fisher and Taylor Lord were also named to the all-tournament team the outside hitters combined for 86 of the team's 161 kills for the tournament. Fisher also led the Colonials with 10 total blocks and 85 digs.

The Bulldogs return to action on Thursday at the Bash in the 'Boro in Statesboro, Ga. They will play four matches in two days, beginning with Savannah State at 11 a.m.

"We are excited to get back in the gym to work on making a few adjustments and to get better before next weekend," said Mosqueda.

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