The Winthrop University volleyball team fell to Davidson College in a tense five-set match at John M. Belk Arena on Friday night, with a final score of 3-2. Paige Bennett fired off a new career-high with 22 kills and added 12 digs, while Teagan Sychterz contributed nine kills and six block assists, and Addison Torain tallied 22 digs.
Top Performers
Kills – Paige Bennett (22), Teagan Sychterz (9), Laila Glover (9)
Aces – Paige Bennett (3), Alyah Cadavid (2), Addison Torrain (2)
Blocks – Teagan Sychterz (6), Trabrece Marbley (3), Laila Glover (2)
Assists – Cami Roberts (38), Lexi Thatcher (14), Alyah Cadavid (6), Addison Torain (6)
Digs – Addison Torain (22), Paige Bennett (12), Teagan Sychterz (5)
Set 1
- The opening set saw Davidson take an early lead, capitalizing on a service ace by Kinsey Smith.
- Winthrop responded with Paige Bennett’s kills, narrowing the gap to 5-4.
- Teagan Sychterz and Trabrece Marbley combined for a block, tying the score at 6-6.
- Late in the set, Davidson’s Meile Songaila delivered a decisive kill to push its lead to 24-21.
- Though Bennett managed another point for Winthrop, Davidson sealed the set 25-22 with a final kill by Ariyana Johnson.
Set 2
- Winthrop clawed back with a decisive 25-21 victory in the second set.
- Bennett played a pivotal role, securing multiple kills and service aces, including one that pushed the score to 9-3.
- Sychterz contributed with crucial kills, including the set-winning point assisted by Alyah Cadavid.
Set 3
- Davidson secured a commanding lead early in the third set, bringing the score to 5-1.
- Winthrop managed to narrow the gap to 8-6, but Davidson responded with consistent scoring, extending its lead to 14-8.
- Despite a late push from Winthrop, Davidson maintained its advantage and closed the set at 25-15.
Set 4
- Winthrop roared back in the fourth set with a 25-18 margin.
- Laila Glover and Bennett were instrumental, each contributing multiple kills.
- Cadavid’s service ace at 4-3 shifted the momentum, and Sychterz’s consistent blocking and serving further extended their advantage.
Set 5
- In a tense fifth set, Winthrop and Davidson exchanged leads multiple times, with the score often tied. Bennett delivered a service ace to bring the score to 14-12.
- Davidson’s Garcia-Guerrios and Harris responded with key kills.
- Davidson clinched the set 18-16 after Garcia-Guerrios secured the final point.
Story courtesy of Winthrop Athletics.
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.
