Pensacola, FL. - The Wheeling University Volleyball team (2-2) ended their time in Pensacola, FL. on a high note as they defeated Spring Hill College 3-1. After losing the first set in each of their previous three games, the women knew that a fast start was crucial to their success if they wanted to pull out a win.

It was Wheeling's blockers that got the job done as senior Lexi Reinert (Cincinnati, OH./Ursuline Academy) and freshman Maddy Winters (New Martinsville, WV./Magnolia HS) each had two block assists. They outblocked Spring Hill in the match 11-3, and it would end up playing a big part in the win.

The first set was competitive throughout, going back and forth all the way to the end. They traded the first 48 points of the set and were deadlocked at 24-24, forcing a win-by-two scenario. However, it was Spring Hill College who would close out the set with the final two points, and for the fourth time this tournament, Wheeling fell behind 1-0 in the match. However, their hitters were on fire early on, knocking down 16 kills on 39 tries, and it would be a sign of good things to come.

After falling behind 3-1 at the start of the second set, Wheeling battled back scoring eight of the next 10 points to take a 9-5 lead. This was the opening they needed, and a run of 6-2 was the winning run for Wheeling as they went on to win the second set 25-17 and tie the match up at 1-1. Wheeling's hitters continued to get stronger and stronger as the match went on, and knocked down 14 kills on 42 chances for a hitting percentage of .238. 

They would nearly double that percentage in the third set, and the results showed as they took a commanding 25-17 win. Wheeling knocked down 18 kills on 37 total attacks and upped their hitting percentage to .423. Towards the end of the set, Wheeling had a slight 17-14 lead but went on a 4-1 run that made it 21-15 and pushed Wheeling to victory. With a 2-1 lead under their belts, it was important that Wheeling end the match right here and get momentum on their side.

However, early in the fourth set, things weren't looking good as Spring Hill jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Wheeling would battle back to tie things at 7-7, and the back and forth would continue throughout the match. It was 17-17 late in the fourth set and both teams were looking for their opening. It would be Wheeling that found that opening, going on a 6-1 run that made it 23-18. Spring Hill fought back, but Wheeling was able to hold on for the 25-21 win and took the match 3-1.

Winters had her best game of the tournament with a career-high 18 kills and was one of four Wheeling hitters to finish with double-digit kills. Freshman Aly Finch (Oregon, OH./St. Ursula) finishes behind Winters with 15 kills and freshman Riley Kindall (Westerville, OH./Westerville Central HS) added 13 kills. Seniors Audrey Francis (Sidney, OH./Fairlawn) and Jenna Franks (Dover, OH./Tuscarawas Valley) led the defense with 25 and 21 kills respectively.

The Wheeling University Volleyball team has the next couple of days off and will return to action when they head to the University of Indianapolis Tournament starting September 10th.