NEWBERRY, S.C. - Catawba College rolled through two games, then fought a gritty Newberry squad to the wire in the third frame to win the battle of the Indians, 3-0, at Eleazer Arena Friday night in South Atlantic Conference volleyball action.

Newberry's first-ever audio-webcast match was exciting, although disappointing to the near 300 fans that were in attendance by match's end.  Newberry (4-7 overall, 0-3 SAC) got better as the game went on, but could never overcome the tactical play of Catawba (5-3, 3-0 SAC).

The visitors broke the game open with a 9-4 run midway through, although Newberry ran off three straight points in an attempt to counter.  Catawba scored five of the last six points to close Newberry out 30-20.

Newberry moved as close as 7-8 in the second set only to allow six consecutive Catawba points.  Catawba stretched the lead to as much as eight on two occasions, but the home team closed the gap to four at 23-27.  Forced to play near-perfect volleyball for the rest of game two, Newberry folded after its 24th point and lost, 30-24.

Newberry's second opportunity for near-perfect volleyball came in the third game, and this time the Lady Indians responded.  The biggest lead by either team was three points.  Catawba clawed its way to a 28-26 lead after trailing 26-25.  Faced with do-or-die at 27-29, Newberry ran off three straight points to go up 30-29.  Teams traded points, tying at 30 and 31, before Catawba took the final two points and the match.

Sophomore Jessica Lipsi (Columbia, S.C.) stole the show for the Lady Indians, recording 13 kills and a .300 hitting percentage.  Freshman Adriane Miler (Summerville, S.C.) posted the double-double with 10 kills and 11 digs.  Junior Alicia Khoury (Toledo, Ohio) handled the majority of the setting tonight, and assisted 22 kills.  Kelly Harting (Ohio City, Ohio) set the tempo for the defense with 22 digs.

Catawba senior Crissy Harrison (Hickory, N.C.) posted a game-high 14 kills, followed by senior Hope Miller's (Newton, N.C.) 11 kills and nine digs.

Newberry takes a break from conference and travels to Columbia College next Tuesday night at 6:30.  Catawba plays tomorrow afternoon at Presbyterian in a 1 o'clock start.