Box Score Salisbury, NC - In the final match of the weekend, the Lady Wildcats (4-5) played the Blue Bears (2-2) of Livingstone College. JWU was able to continue their strong team play from earlier in the afternoon, and earned their second win of the tournament in 3 games, and first ever win over NCAA D-II member Livingstone.
Both teams showed jitters in the beginning of game one. The Lady Wildcats were able to gain control, taking an 11-7 lead, behind solid play from Moriah Hughes and Summer Meredith. The Blue Bears, capitalizing on JWU errors, went on a 6-1 run to take the lead 13-12. The Lady Wildcats responded with a 4-1 run of their own, taking a 16-14 lead, and forcing Livingstone to call a timeout. The Blue Bears regrouped and went on to tie the game at 19. Strong service from Kylie Marquardt gave the 'Cats a 23-20 lead. Livingstone was able to close on the lead again, but Lucy Herrmann came thru with a huge block that helped seal the 25-23 game one win.
JWU took a quick 8-0 lead in game two behind strong serving again from Marquardt and dominant net play from Jazmyne Williams. Livingstone cut the lead to 3, before the Lady Wildcats responded by regaining control at the net, pushing the lead to 13-7. Both teams exchanged a series of nice kills and hustle plays, but JWU maintained a cushion and closed the game with a 25-20 win.
The Lady Wildcats played well at the net on offense and defense, taking an early 4-1 lead in game three. JWU's level of play dropped off, but the Blue Bears were unable to capitalize, as they commited several errors of their own. Those errors helped the 'Cats extend their lead to 10-4. Livingstone was able to settle down and eliminate errors, closing the gap to 2. JWU responded with a 10-0 run behind strong serving from Hughes and dominant front line attacking from Reanna Bray, Madelyn Leonard, and Herrmann. The Lady Wildcats went on tp take game three 25-16, and the match 3-0.
JWU finished the tournament 2-1 for the second consecutive year. The Lady Wildcats are next in action when they hit the road Tuesday, September 10th to play against Davidson County Community College. Match time is set for 7pm.
