CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The Golden Eagles played their first home game of the 2019 season this evening opening up against Winston-Salem State University. Charleston bounced back from their 0-3 skid over the past weekend by defeating the Rams three sets to none.
 
The Golden Eagles dominated in the first set winning by a score of 25-9. They were able to produce 11 kills throughout the set while also posting a .308 kill percentage. The rams could not get much together in terms of offense as they recorded 5 kills and posted a - .034 kill percentage.  
 
The Golden Eagles were able to ride the momentum into the second set continuing their offensive barrage as they were able to notch 16 kills while increasing their kill percentage to .367. The rams did not have much of an answer to Charleston's aggressive playstyle, they were only able to record 4 kills and could not seem to string many points together. UC took the set by a score of 25-13.
 
Winston-Salem was able to show some life in the third set, as they lead the Golden Eagles 13-8 in the middle of the set. Charleston battled back, rattling off three different strings of three or more unanswered points. The Golden Eagles were able to tie the game late in the set at a score of 21 all. After tying the game, they were able to keep Winston-Salem out of reach, winning the third and final set of the game by a score of 25-23.
 
Janeese VerVelde racked up 11 kills in the match, while Erin Thomas recorded a career-high 32 assists leading the Golden Eagles to victory.
 
Charleston will be back at home this weekend as they host the MEC/PSAC Crossover Tournament. They will play at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 and will play at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.