Friday night, the women’s soccer and volleyball teams faced a Southern Conference challenge 100-miles south at Wofford College.
The first game of the night pitted the Bucs going against a formidable 14-7 Wofford volleyball team. The Bucs came out swinging, with the team working together on all cylinders, leading to a convincing 25 to 16 win in the first set.
Although the offense was rolling, managing a .250 hitting percentage and 49 kills led by senior Rylee Milhorn’s 15, the match was decided by the Bucs impressive defensive game.
Junior Braedyn Tutton totaled 10 blocks, denying attack after attack over the course of their 3-1 demolition over the Terriers. This puts ETSU No. 2 on the SOCON rankings, with 6-2 conference record, behind the Furman Paladins.
During the second game of the night, the women’s soccer team found themselves outmatched and outplayed early on. Led by the leading scorer in the nation, Hayley Younginer, the Wofford Terriers came out fast and aggressive, earning a corner kick within the first minute of the match. They easily turned that chance into a goal, taking the lead before a full minute had hit the clock.
The Bucs counterattacks did little to shake off the rust, and a quick one-two pass set up the shot for Wofford again, making the score 2-0 before the 5 minute mark. Despite the early deficit, the Bucs found life after the second goal.
Several good shots on goal came during the first half. However, Younginer wasn’t done yet and delivered a ball just out of the keeper’s reach at the low post.
The second half saw ETSU sending shot after shot at Wofford’s keeper, and shot after shot being denied. The final score was 3-0 Wofford victory. This game was a tough challenge coming late in the season, and the Bucs showed grit against a team they have struggled with in the past. Many of the starters played the full 90 minutes, and the Bucs did not give the Wofford defense any breaks either.
The Bucs play Western Carolina at home on Sunday, the last game of the regular season.