NEWBERRY, SC -- The UVA Wise volleyball team fell to Newberry in a four-set match at Eleazer Arena on Friday evening, with scores of 28-26, 20-25, 20-25, 22-25.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: Newberry 3, UVA Wise 1
Records: UVA Wise (13-13, 7-9 SAC); Newberry (11-12, 6-10 SAC)
Location: Newberry, SC | Eleazer Arena
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first set began with Newberry gaining an early lead, capitalizing on several attack errors by the Highland Cavaliers. However, a pivotal moment for the team came when an
Annabelle Dowell kill triggered a comeback. This momentum was further supported by service aces from
Riley Brandon, which helped them tie the score at 10-10.
Mable James and
Mia Poag contributed crucial kills, keeping the score closely contested. The Cavs kept within two points until
Morgan Blankenship posted a kill to level the score at 24-24. UVA Wise persisted and ultimately clinched the set with a 28-26 victory, capitalizing on a service error from Newberry and an attack error by Carole Ann Hussey.
- The Cavs initially took control in the second set from a kill from James, assisted by Brandon, pushing them ahead 3-2. Poag also contributed with a service ace, to help extend their lead to 5-2. Newberry managed to close the gap, tying the score at 8-8 after an attack error. As the set progressed, Newberry capitalized on errors from the Cavaliers, pulling ahead with a score of 16-11. UVA Wise attempted a comeback with kills from Poag and
Mailea Hufnagel, bringing the score to 19-23. However, Newberry ultimately maintained their advantage, concluding the set with a 25-20 win.
- The Highland Cavaliers began the third set with strong offensive plays, highlighted by kills from Poag and
Mia Bradley, both facilitated by assists from
Madilyn Pardue and
Abigail Curtis, respectively. The team established an early lead, pushing the score to 8-6 with contributions from
Isabella Baylor and Hufnagel. Despite maintaining a narrow lead through the middle of the set, UVA Wise faced challenges from Newberry, who tied the game at several points. Newberry ultimately overcame the Cavs' efforts with a series of points late in the set, concluding the match with a 25-20 win in the third set.
- UVA Wise started the fourth set with a strong offensive push, with Hufnagel and Blankenship each securing kills and contributing to an early 4-1 lead. Curtis added to the momentum with a service ace, capitalizing on an attack error from Newberry's Anna Schneider. Despite their efforts, Newberry fought back to level the score at 9-9, with Evie Paalman contributing key points. The teams exchanged leads in a closely contested battle, with Hufnagel and Baylor making crucial kills to keep the Highland Cavaliers competitive. Dowell's late service ace tied the score at 20-20, but Newberry managed a final surge to close out the set with a 25-22 victory and the match victory.
GETTING WISE
- Curtis anchored the defense with 22 digs, pushing her past Cara Hamilton (2004-07) to fifth in the career digs category with 1,221.
- Brandon facilitated the offense by dishing out 21 assists and adding nine digs and two service aces.
- Hufnagel led the attack with 13 kills on 30 attempts, achieving a .400 hitting percentage.
- James contributed at the net with four block assists and six kills, impacting both offensively and defensively.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will play their final road contest of the regular season as they face Carson-Newman on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
