Bucs volleyball clinches No. 1 seed

On Nov. 8, the Buccaneers played their final home game against Furman.

The Bucs came into the game with a record of 18-7 and 10-3 in Southern conference play. The Bucs coming in had not lost a game at home with a record of 10-0. Furman coming into the game was 10-16 with a record of 6-8 in Southern conference play.

The last time the two teams played Furman won 3-2 to start conference play at home where they are 6-3. The Bucs came into the game needing this game to clinch the No.1 seed in the SoCon tournament. The Bucs won 3-1 to cap off a perfect season at home.

“It proud for the program these girls have worked hard all season it started in January with our seniors,” said Head Coach Lindsey Devine.

In the first set, the Bucs struggled with errors that held them back from ever really controlling the momentum. With the score tied at 22, Furman was able to take the lead. The head coach of the Buccaneers followed with a timeout to calm her team. Following the timeout, the Bucs were able to tie the game. Furman then responded to retake the lead, eventually taking the first set with a score of 28-26.

In the second set, the Bucs started strong, playing with fewer errors. They started the second set 12-6, leading the Furman coach to call a timeout. Continuing to put the pressure on Furman, the Bucs led 18-9, forcing another Furman timeout. The Bucs dominated the second set winning 25-12.

The Bucs and Furman battled throughout the third set; until the Bucs started to gain their momentum again, taking a 24-17 lead and forcing a Furman timeout. The Bucs won the third set, 25-18.

Furman controlled the fourth set early leading 8-5 until the Bucs made a run to take the lead 12-8. With the momentum swinging the Buccaneers way, Furman took a timeout. With a good lead but Furman starting to get some momentum, Devine took a timeout. The Bucs won the fourth set 25-17, clinching the No. 1 seed. It was the Bucs’ first undefeated home record in ETSU history.

“I want us to trust the process and execute the things we work on a daily basis,” Devine said.