Newberry, S.C. - The Wolves returned home Friday evening following a lengthy 5-match road trip to take on UVA Wise.
The game was thrilling from start to finish. In the first set, the Wolves built a 23-18 lead and looked primed to take the first set, however the Cavaliers battled back to bring the set to a one-point deficit, trailing 24-23. Evie Paalman would put an end to the comeback, finding open space on the court for the set-clinching kill.
The second set followed suit of the first, as the two teams would find themselves tied 20-20, and later tied again at 25 a piece. UVA Wise would capitalize on two consecutive errors on back-to-back points by the Wolves to clinch the second set, 27-25.Â
Momentum would continue to sway in favor of the Cavs, as they'd start the third set firing out the gate, building a commanding 17-7 lead over Newberry. The Wolves refused to quit, and would fight back to bring the score within four at 22-18, however their effort would come up just short, dropping the third set, 25-20.Â
The fourth set saw Newberry start to grab some of their momentum back, as they'd build a commanding 23-17 lead late in the set. UVA Wise would take the next four points and push the Wolves to the edge, however kills by Taylor Blandford and Carole Ann Hussey would clinch the fourth and force a deciding fifth set.Â
Newberry got out to a 5-2 start in the fifth set and would beat UVA Wise to eight points, switching sides with an 8-6 lead. The Cavaliers responded strongly, rattling off each of the next five points and eventually finding themselves with a 14-10 lead. The Wolves would earn two late points to try and start a late comeback, however the Cavaliers would take the final point and win the set 15-12.Â
The Wolves are back in action Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 P.M., as they'll celebrate senior day and take on Emory & Henry.Â
