NEWBERRY - The Wolves outlasted Carson-Newman in five sets 3-2 in their conference home-opener in what proved to be a true team win. This was Newberry's third time going five sets this season and improved their record to 2-1 in five-set affairs. 

"Tonight was a consummate team win," said head coach Callie Youngman. "What I loved was that the girls were steady in their mindset, discipline, trust, and work ethic. I thought we were exceptional from the service line and I was happy with the way our blocking and defensive systems worked in tandem together."

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This effort was most apparent during the third set with the game tied 1-1. The Wolves dominated Carson-Newman from the first serve with 13 kills, no errors, and a .419 attack percentage compared to .050 from the Eagles. A 16-7 start forced the Eagles to call timeout but Newberry prevailed and a kill by Vanessa Blas ended the set 25-12. It is the fewest points scored by a Newberry opponent in a set this season.

The Wolves continued their dominance in the fifth set and shot to a 4-0 lead to begin the fifth set, forcing a timeout for the Eagles. Carson-Newman's Anna Patton recorded the only kill for the Eagles while Newberry tallied nine in the set. From there the Wolves were able to clinch the conference home-opener 15-5.

A kill by Marnie Streeter gave Carson-Newman its only lead of the first set with Newberry controlling the game from the beginning. After a 3-3 tie, the Wolves took the lead and a kill from Sidra Triplett ended the frame 25-18.

Newberry burst to a 4-0 start in the second set before eventually losing the lead to tie the game 8-8. From there it was a battle between teams as each one tried to gain momentum and the Wolves separated themselves 22-19 late in the set. The Eagles clawed their back and took the 23-22 lead after an attack error by Mary Siebert. Newberry was not able to recover and dropped the set 27-25.

Finishing strong continued to plague the Wolves during the fourth set as each team battled to remain for the win. The set saw a game-high five lead changes, with the last one being 11-11. The Eagles took the fourth set 25-18 to force a decisive fifth set.

Newberry captains Siebert and Kensley Jordan both had outstanding performances. Siebert recorded her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 13 digs while Jordan had a career-high 36 digs.

Maggie Marsh and Taylor Garrison each notched double-digit assists in the win.

The Wolves will play again tomorrow against Lincoln Memorial at 1:00 p.m. at Eleazer Arena.