CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The University of Charleston volleyball team knew their opening weekend would test their pre-season preperation with three tough opponents awaiting at the Dowling Tournament in Oakdale, N.Y.
The team got their first taste of top-tier competition with opening day games against host and NCAA Tournament participant Dowling followed by Atlantic Regional power Lock Haven. The Golden Eagles didn't shy away from the opportunity to make a statement as they played two tough contests despite dropping both contests.
In game one, it took the first game to shake off the summer rust as the Golden Lions showed why they are continiously ranked in the Top-25 by recording a 53 percent attack percentage in a 25-12 opening set. Charleston regrouped in the final two sets to put on a strong showing yet committed 19 errors to Dowlings 13 as the hosts grabbed the win with 25-17 & 25-18 sets. In the loss Katie Williams (Gettysburg, Pa./Gettysburg) recorded 13 assists and 10 digs to pace UC.
The Golden Eagles got little reprieve after the opener as PSAC and regional opponent Lock Haven awaited for the second match of the afternoon. Charleston proved they were able to play with the best competition as they shocked the PSAC East Pre-Season favorites by taking the first two sets 25-20 and 25-21.
UC hit 19 and 27 percent in the opening sets to hold the advantage going into the deciding set, yet Lock Haven showed they too were capable of putting a run together. LHU trailed late in the third set as it looked as if the Golden Eagles were going to shock their regional opponent, yet a slew of late errors allowed the Bald Eagles to sneak away with a 25-21 third set.
Lock Haven found their composure in the final two sets to allow attack at a 29 percent clip compared to Charleston's 12 percent as the made a forceful comeback to slip away from UC 25-22 and 15-7 for the win.
Malleri Hardison (Uniontown, PA / Laurel Highlands) led UC with 12 kills on 31 percent hitting, while Williams continued a strong start to the season with 22 assists and 13 digs.
The University of Charleston gets a quick turnaround with a 12:00 pm contest on Satuday Sept. 3 against Bentley. Bentley was picked fifth in the Northeast-10 Conference preseason poll.
Live stats and video are available for the Bentley contest here at ucgoldeneagles.com
