Big Blue battles WSSU in five-set match

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Bluefield State volleyball battled through five sets Thursday evening against Winston-Salem State, falling 3-2 inside Whitaker Gymnasium.

The Big Blue dropped the opening two sets, 25-19 and 25-18, before responding in a big way. Bluefield State found its rhythm offensively in the third set, recording 16 kills while hitting .326 to take the set, 25-19. The momentum carried into the fourth as the Big Blue fought through a tight finish and earned a 26-24 victory to force a deciding fifth set. Winston-Salem State edged out the Big Blue 16-14 in the final frame to secure the match.

Danielle Robinson led the Big Blue attack with a strong all-around performance, finishing with a team-high 19 kills on a .283 hitting percentage. Robinson also added 11 digs and two service aces for 21 total points.

Soniya Garner added seven kills with a team-high 20 digs, while Callesta Styles followed with 13 kills.

Tessa Heffner helped direct the Bluefield State offense with 34 assists while also contributing 17 digs and four kills.

Kaileigh Solis added 15 digs, while Alexia Cunningham made an impact at the net with two solo blocks. As a team, the Big Blue finished with 59 kills, 53 assists, seven service aces and 88 digs.

The loss moves Bluefield State to 6-5 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Final: Bluefield State 2, Winston-Salem State 3