WINGATE, N.C. - The Newberry College volleyball team wrapped up the first half of South Atlantic Conference play Tuesday night with a 30-19, 30-18, 30-25 loss to the Wingate University Bulldogs.

Newberry (10-5, 2-5 SAC) is now on a four-match conference losing streak, but will look to respond with a strong second trip through the league, as the Lady Indians were within striking distance of a win in four of the five losses.

Laurie Barman (Madison, Wisc.) and Priscila Sales (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) each had eight kills to lead Newberry. Barman also had five block assists. Lorena Maia (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) had four service aces. Sales is the first Lady Indian to pass the 200-kill barrier this season, as she has 204 kills thus far in the year.

Lauren Billo and Rachelle Rostas each had 11 kills to lead a powerfull offensive effort from Wingate (19-1, 5-0 SAC). Wingate is the first team to sweep Newberry this season.

Wingate�s defense was up to the task Tuesday, as the Bulldogs notched 42 digs and eight total team blocks. Wingate sophomore defensive specialist Chelsea Cancelliere and senior setter Melissa DeLuca posted 10 digs each. DeLuca�s steady passing resulted in 36 assists for the All-SAC table-setter.

Bulldog junior outside hitter Kathryn Reddick had a team-high five block assists. Wingate freshman middle blocker Stormi Gale had four block assists. The Bulldogs had 11 service aces, led by Gale�s five service winners.

Wingate has won six consecutive matches by the score of 3-0. The Bulldogs hit the road for five straight league contests, beginning Friday with a 7 p.m. match at Carson-Newman College. Newberry steps out of the league fray to host North Greenville University on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Special thanks to Wingate Sports Information for its assistance with this article