NEWBERRY – The Newberry Wolves dropped a five set match to the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in Eleazer Arena on Tuesday night. Newberry falls to 11-12 on the year and 5-10 in South Atlantic Conference play, while the Bears improve to 15-7 and 9-6 in the SAC.

Boxscore 

The Wolves dropped the first set after watching a 14-9 lead disappear into a 14-all affair. After fighting back from a 23-21 defecit to take the lead 24-23, two attack errors and a kill tied up the frame for the Bears.

However, Newberry mauled the Bears in the second and third stanzas. In the second frame, Newberry jumped out to a 14-5 lead and ran away with the set 25-13. The fourth set was ugly for the Bears as the Wolves pounced out to a 14-1 lead. The Bears clawed their way back as the Wolves struggled to finish. After allowing sever straight points, Newberry put away the final point at 25-14 to go up 2-1 in the match.

Lenoir-Rhyne would return the favor in the fourth stanza, going on a seven point run out of an 11-11 stalemate. Newberry attempted a comeback, but fell just short losing 25-17.

The crowd came alive in the fifth set rattling the bleachers and created so much noise it was difficult to speak to the person beside you. The Wolves used this to their advantage as they came back from multiple two point deficits to tie the Bears. Lenoir-Rhyne just had things go their way, as they scored three straight points to steal away the match from Newberry.

The Wolves had a great game statistically, as they outperformed the Bears in every category. They recorded more kills, assists, service aces, digs and posted a higher hitting percentage.

Sophomore Logan Hayward led the offensive attack for Newberry as she blasted 16 kills. Seniors Holly Brisson and Amanda Soper put away 11 and nine of their own, respectively. Junior Rachel Moran handed out 24 assists while sophomore Ashley Minor dished out 19 of her own. Senior Lauren Prachar tallied 23 digs while fellow senior Elayni Stokes picked up 19 of her own.

Thanks to all the fans that came out to support breast cancer awareness. The Wolves raised over $200 this evening to help fund breast cancer research. The team goes on the road this weekend to visit the Coker Cobras Friday at 7 p.m. and the Wingate Bulldogs Saturday at 5 p.m.