RADFORD, Va. – Back-to-back extremely close sets went Winthrop's way as the Radford volleyball team fell, 3-0, to the Eagles on Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center on Friday night.
 
Kennedy Robinson's growing influence in the Highlanders' attack was notable, as the sophomore led the team with 10 kills – her fourth straight double-digit kill performance. She added five digs and a pair of block assists as well.
 
Radford's defense also stepped up, tallying 9.0 total blocks which matches their second-highest output in the category this season. Jordan Taylor came off the bench to get involved in six block assists, as five different players had multiple BA's on the night. 
 
Winthrop, which entered the night second in the Big South standings, looked strong out of the gates with a 25-15 win in the opening set. The next two sets wouldn't come so easily for the Eagles, however.
 
The Highlanders and Eagles remained tie at 15-all midway through the second frame and Radford stayed within one or two points throughout. With a narrow 22-21 lead, Winthrop took three of the final four points to take it, 25-22.
 
Fans saw a second straight 25-22 set in the third set, and unfortunately, it played out similarly. Radford tied the game at 22-all, forcing a timeout from Winthrop. Their gameplan in the waning moments worked like a charm as the visitors closed it out to leave the NRV with a win.
 
With tonight's result, Radford drops to 4-15 overall and 3-7 in Big South play while Winthrop improves to 10-11 overall and a sterling 9-1 in conference competition.
 
NOTABLES

• Jackeline Nerro was the Highlanders' top provider with 15 assists. Rylee Sloss (12 assists) got the start and Julia Slivka (three assists) saw time as the team's setter late
• Senior libero Shelby Hernandez once again led Radford with 17 digs
• Winthrop's Avery Jolley led all players with 17 kills (.275 H%)
• Radford had three service aces and Winthrop had zero

UP NEXT
The Highlanders host Gardner-Webb on Saturday, Oct. 28 starting at 4 p.m. in the program's annual Dig Pink game. The first 100 fans to arrive at the Dedmon Center will receive a free pink Radford t-shirt. For those that can't make it, the match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
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