This past Saturday, the women’s volleyball team suffered a tough loss against Furman University. The Paladins took down the Bucs in five sets, 3-2 (25-23, 25-15, 20-25, 25-27,4-15).
The Buccaneers had a group of players that reached double figures in kills. Sophomore Brianna Cantrell (Appleton, Wis.) led ETSU with 13 kills. Cantrell had help from the powerful duo of Amanda Lowe (Blacksburg, Va.) and Lundyn Coffman (Nolensville, Tenn.) adding up 11 and 12 more kills. Małgorzata Andersohn (Bydgoszcz, Poland) achieved another double-double, finishing with 13 digs and 40 assists. Defensive player Jasmal Cruz (Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico) ended the match with 23 digs overall.
ETSU started the first set strong, with the offense recording a match-high of 15 kills. There were nine lead changes and 16 different points that the Paladins and Bucs tied. The Bucs could hold their own against Furman for the first set, winning 25-23.
The Lady Bucs owned the second set; they had 13 kills overall and an 11-point lead against the Paladins. With ETSU using their excellent offense, the Lady Bucs could pass by Furman with four blocks, leading the Buccaneers to win the second set 25-15.
In the match’s third set, the Paladins managed to secure a 25-20 win. This 7-0 run played a crucial role in their comeback, ultimately securing the set win for Furman University.
In the fourth set, Furman managed to build a significant lead with a score of 17-12. Despite Furman leading with a five-point advantage over ETSU, the Lady Bucs fought back and tied the score at 22-22.
Unfortunately, Furman managed to win the fourth set with a score of 27-25. This win allowed the competition to tie the match at 2-2, forcing a fifth and deciding set.
ETSU played a dominant performance, but Furman stepped their game in the fifth and deciding set, winning it decisively with a score of 15-4.
ETSU takes on UNC Greensboro on Sept. 28 in Brooks Gym. The first serve is set for 6 p.m.
