NEWBERRY – The Newberry Wolves gave the visiting Bulldogs of Wingate University everything they wanted on Saturday afternoon. Wingate surrendered their first set in six conference games this season, but the Bulldogs emerged victorious in the end.

Boxscore

Junior Alexus Horton turned in her best match of the season as she tallied 11 kills to lead Wolves while hitting a blistering .471 for the match. Sophomore Logan Hayward posted six kills and senior Lauren Prachar posted six kills to go along with 10 digs. Freshman Cydney Shaw handed out 20 assists and senior Elayni Stokes picked up 18 digs.

Newberry went toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs in the first set until Wingate went up 13-12. The Bulldogs went on to score 12 of the last 15 points to take the set 25-12. Hayward, Horton and Prachar all totaled two kills apiece.

The second set was arguably the best frame the Wolves have played all season. The intensity in Eleazer Arena was incredible as Newberry outhit the Bulldogs .273 to .132. The Wolves and Bulldogs were neck and neck until the Wolves pulled out to a 17-13 lead. That would be all the lead Newberry would need as they went on to score 11 of the last 15 points to take the set. Horton would have three kills in three attempts and add three total blocks in the set. Prachar would also put away a trio of kills.

Wingate came out with a vengeance in the third set shooting out to a 10-4 lead. The Wolves just could not get the offense going, surrendering 10 of the final 15 points of the frame to go up 2-1.

However, the Wolves didn't give in, they dug in. Newberry went point for point with the Bulldogs seeing six ties throughout the set. The Wolves would take a slight advantage at 20-19 but the Bulldogs would go on a six point run to take the lead 24-20. A Bulldog attack error and a kill by senior Holly Brisson would move Newberry into striking distance at 24-22, but Haley Henderson would put away a kill to record the final point of the match. Horton would total five kills in six attempts without a miscue and Stokes recorded nine of her 18 digs in the final frame.

The Wolves look to keep the momentum going into next week as they travel to Queens Friday at 7 p.m. and Catawba Saturday at 5 p.m.