Coker Falls to Tusculum in Five Sets

HARTSVILLE, SC - Coker volleyball saw its homestand come to a close with a tough 3-2 loss to visiting Tusculum on Friday night inside the DeLoach Center. The Pioneers took the South Atlantic Conference match, 18-25, 25-13, 27-25, 21-25 and 15-12.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Coker 8-7 (4-3 SAC) | Tusculum (5-7, 3-3 SAC)

• Coker is now 4-1 in five-set matches this season

TOP PERFORMERS:

Cayla Gilmore: 17 kills, 2 block assists

Addie Bittner: 11 kills, 1 block solo, 1 block assist, 1 block solo, 20 digs, 2 assists, 1 service ace

Cheyenne Bird: 29 assists, 10 digs

Peyton Tribolet: 23 digs, 2 assist

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Set 1: Coker jumped out early and led 5-3 before the Pioneers rallied to take a 9-6 advantage. Tusculum extended the lead to 14-11, but the Cobras answered with a 9-0 run to retake control and went on to close out the set, 25-18.

Set 2: Once again, Coker held an early 3-2 edge before Tusculum responded with four straight points to move in front. The Pioneers never relinquished the lead and evened the match with a 25-13 win.

Set 3: Tusculum grabbed a 3-2 lead before Coker surged ahead, 8-5. The Pioneers quickly regained the lead at 9-8, and the set remained tight the rest of the way. Coker held a 24-22 advantage late, but Tusculum closed strong, winning five of the final six points to take the frame, 27-25, and a 2-1 match lead.

Set 4: Facing elimination, Coker built a 5-3 lead before Tusculum rallied to go ahead 8-6. The Cobras then reeled off six straight points and nine of the next 10 to take control, 15-9. The Pioneers chipped away to get within three at 23-20, but a kill by Cayla Gilmore sealed the 25-20 win and forced a decisive fifth set.

Set 5: Coker raced out to a 4-1 advantage, but Tusculum answered with a 6-1 run to take the lead. The Pioneers were in front 8-6 at the side switch and maintained control the rest of the way. The Cobras closed the gap to 14-12 on a kill by Addie Bittner, but Tusculum secured the final point to clinch the match.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Coker hits the road on Tuesday when they visit Newberry for a 7 PM match inside Eleazer Arena. The match can be viewed on FloSports.