HARTSVILLE - The Newberry Wolves volleyball team dropped their conference opener on the road to Coker Friday evening by a score of 3-1.

In the pivotal second set, the Wolves jumped out to a 6-4 lead. However, Coker went on a huge run, winning 17 of 21 points and forcing the Wolves to call multiple timeouts during the stretch. From there on, Coker won four of the next six points to take the set 25-12, evening the match at one set apiece heading into the break.

The match started out poorly for Newberry as they lost the first three points of the first set. They continued to battle, however, although Coker won the vaunted race to 15 and led 15-11, forcing the Wolves to call timeout. Newberry bounced back quickly, however, winning eight of the next 12 points to even the match at 19-all. The match was then tied again at 25, and the Wolves won the final two points to take the first set and jump out to a 1-0 lead.

After the disastrous end to the second set, the Wolves bounced back quickly, jumping out to leads of 8-5 and 12-10. They were unable to capitalize, however, as Coker won eight of the next 12 points to take an 18-16 lead. The Wolves kept it close for the rest of the set, but were unable to regain the lead and lost 25-23 to fall behind 2-1.

Newberry was unable to capture any momentum in the fourth set as they fell behind quickly, with Coker jumping out to leads of 7-5 and 12-10. The Cobras won seven of the next eight points, however, taking a 19-11 lead, and cruised to a 25-15 victory, taking the match by a score of 3-1.

Freshman Katie Ullsperger led the Wolves in kills with 11, making her the first player to post double digit kills in a match this season. She also posted 13 digs, giving her a double double, and chipped in three blocks as well, tying for the team lead with Kylee Kanealey and Toni-Anne Whitlow. Sydney Diaz also had a strong game defensively, getting into double digits in digs with 11.

From the service line, freshman Avery Webb continued her strong start with two service aces, and Taylor Garrison posted two as well. Webb and Garrison also tied for the team lead in assists with 13 each.

The Wolves will have a quick turnaround as they take on No. 24 Wingate on the road tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.