Wildcats Fall in Five at Charleston

Friday, August 29

Charleston, S.C.

7:00 p.m.

Davidson College Athletics

0-1

College of Charleston

1-0

Team	1	2	3	4	5	Final F
Davidson	18	25	25	11	13	2
Col. of Charleston	25	21	18	25	15	3

8/29/2014 11:34:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

CHARLESTON, S.C. – After dropping the first set to the College of Charleston, the Davidson volleyball team came back to take the second and third frames, but it wasn't enough, as the Wildcats could not outlast the Cougars in five, 3-2.

Davidson received strong offensive performances from Rachel Earnhardt, who recorded a team-high 16 kills, and Michelle McNeight who added 12 kills. Hannah Rau also chipped in on the attack with nine winners to her credit. Mikayla Derochie dominated the setting duties, tallying 39 assists. The sophomore also recorded two aces and six kills for the 'Cats.

The defensive effort was led by Rau who turned in 21 digs and four blocking assists. Earnhardt recorded 17 digs and a block assist, while Morgan Shannon added 15 digs. Freshmen Mary Harriet Moore chipped in four block assists at the net as well.

Charleston was paced by Melissa Morello's 17 kills, while Cara Howley chipped in 13. Kallie McKown had 40 assists to lead the Cougars to a .246 team hitting percentage.

The two sides found themselves tied at seven early in the second set, but an 8-1 stretch allowed the Wildcats to open a 14-8 advantage. The teams traded points down the stretch before Davidson held off the CofC down the stretch for the 25-21 win with a block by Derochie and Moore.

Back-and-fourth action dominated the third set, which featured two lead changes and six ties. A 7-2 run by the Wildcats pushed the score to 21-14. The College of the Charleston fought back with three straight points, but Davidson held on to put the set away 25-18.

Davidson was forced to play from behind in the fourth set as the Cougars opened a 10-3 margin. The Wildcats rallied with three straight points, to cut the deficit to 16-6 but it just wasn't enough as the home side went on to claim the set, 25-11.

Charleston wasted no time in the final set as it jumped out to a 6-3 lead. The Wildcats would not go down without a fight as they used a 7-4 run to even the frame at 10 on a Charleston error. The teams traded points, but a kill by Cara Howley and a Davidson error sealed the victory for Charleston, 15-13.

Davidson returns to action tomorrow with a pair of matches. The Wildcats first take on Kent State at 10 a.m. before finishing the opening weekend against Mercer at 4:30 p.m.