CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel volleyball team defeats Furman their conference opener in four (26-24, 23-25, 25-10, 25-22) on Wednesday evening in Furman's Alley Gymnasium. 
 
Game Information
Score: The Citadel (3), Furman (1)
Records: The Citadel (8-6), Furman (4-7)
Location: Alley Gymnasium (Greenville, S.C.)
Series: Furman leads 42-6. 


How it Happened
 

• Furman opened the match with two points, but it was returned by three from the Bulldogs. 
• The team's continued to exchange points with kills from Ali Ruffin and were tied at six.
• A 6-1 run from the Paladins gave them the advantage, but efforts from Makaya Middleton and Maddy Cardenas allowed the Bulldogs to meet back at 15.
• The team's continued to be evenly matched until 21 with back-to back-block assists from Belle Hogan, Sadie Gomez and Middleton. 
• Two Paladin errors and a kill from Ruffin allowed the Bulldogs to take the set 26-24.
• Furman opened the set with a 3-1 advantage but kills from Ruffin and Gomez kept the team's even. 
• The Paladins went on a 4-1 run that was interrupted by a kill from Gina Delancey, but it did not stop their momentum and they pushed their lead to 11-5.
• The Bulldogs went on a four-point run with two service aces from Cardenas, but Furman returned two points to keep a five-point advantage.
• The Citadel fought to catch up, but Furman stayed consistent and ended the set 25-23.
• The beginning of the third set saw a 6-0 run from the Bulldogs with kills from Middleton and Sam Barnes to force an early Paladin timeout. 
• The timeout did not interfere with The Citadel's run and the Paladins did not see their first point until 12-1.
• The Bulldogs did not let up and used a service ace from Jaelynn Elgert and kills from Ruffin to keep a 10-point lead. 
• A service ace and kill from Cardenas allowed the Bulldogs to end the set 25-10. 
• Belle Hogan opened the fourth set with a service ace, which led to a 5-3 Bulldog lead.
• Furman found a three-point lead, but The Citadel continued to push and tied the set at 11. 
• The team's stayed evenly matched until 15 when the Bulldogs went on a three-point run with kills from Delancey and Cardenas.
• Additional kills from Cardenas, Barnes, and Middleton pushed the Bulldogs to the end of the set and match (25-22).

 
 
Inside the Box Score
 

• This match marked the third straight win over the Paladins. 
• Ali Ruffin led the team with 17 kills, 13 digs and two blocks.
• Makaya Middleton followed with 12 kills and Maddy Cardenas with 11. 
• Belle Hogan recorded 38 assists, 19 digs and four blocks. 
• Kenzie Kellerman added 19 digs. 

 
Up Next
The Citadel enters their bye week and will not return to action until Sept. 30. The Bulldogs will welcome Western Carolina to McAlister Field House with first serve set for 6 p.m. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.