Winthrop University’s volleyball team swept USC Upstate 3-0 on Saturday at Winthrop Coliseum, completing a successful weekend on its home court.
The Eagles secured the victory with set scores of 25-16, 25-23 and 25-20.
Paige Bennett led Winthrop with 16 kills, extending her streak of recording at least 15 kills to seven consecutive matches. KeAra Bowen added 11 kills without an error on 19 attempts, posting a career-best .579 hitting percentage.
Lexi Thatcher recorded a match-high 36 assists to lead the Eagles’ offense, while Addison Torain paced the defense with 15 digs. Thatcher contributed 13 digs, and Ella Langner finished with 11.
Winthrop overcame early deficits in the first two sets. In the opener, Alyah Cadavid delivered two service aces before Torain helped fuel an eight-point service run that gave the Eagles control. Winthrop closed the set 25-16 on a Bowen kill.
The second set proved more competitive, with the Eagles rallying from a 16-14 deficit to take the lead. Bowen contributed a kill and an ace late in the set before Bennett secured the 25-23 victory.
Winthrop carried its momentum into the third set, building a 17-11 advantage behind contributions from Bennett, Bowen and Laila Glover. USC Upstate narrowed the margin to three points, but the Eagles responded and finished the match 25-20 on another Bowen kill.
Winthrop begins a two-week road trip Friday, Oct. 23, against Presbyterian in Clinton, South Carolina. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
