Charlotte, NC -- Homecoming is supposed to be an exciting time for all, and the Wildcats made sure to do their part in winning a 5-game match against visiting Salem College Friday night.  The game was a well-played match that featured several long rallies, spectacular hustle plays, blocking at the net, and smart play.  The Wildcats played well on offense and defense, posting 44 kills and a whopping 133 digs in the win.

Both teams came out strong in the opening set.  The Wildcats had a 6-point lead, but Salem came back to overtake them and take the set 21-25.  JWU came out strong in the second set and built another lead.  This time, they were able to sustain it and finish the game 25-19.  The third set saw back and forth play with some long rallies featuring great defense from both teams.  Neither team was able to get much of an advantage, but the Wildcats were able to pull out the 25-23 victory.  JWU opened the fourth game with a 6-1 run to try to close out the match. Salem's scrappy play kept them in the match, and they battled back to take the lead and finish out the game 22-25 to force a fifth set.  JWU lost the coin toss and had to receive in the fifth set, but they were unaffected by that.  They were the first to 8 points for the changing of sides, and then held a lead of 7-11.  Salem pulled within 1 point at 13-12, but the Wildcats finished off the match by a score of 15-12.

The Wildcats were led by Sarah Slaughter who put down 10 kills while posting a .346 hitting percentage, and she also led the Wildcat defense with 27 digs.  The Wildcats had strong play from middle hitters Lucy Herrmann with 11 kills and 4 service aces and Reanna Bray with 10 kills and 8 total blocks.  The Wildcat defense put on a show as well with 4 more players with over 18 digs -- Hailey Thrift (21), Jackie Clifford (26), Summer Meredith (26), and Samantha Johnson (18). 

JWU finishes out their schedule at home next week with Spartanburg Methodist College on Tuesday at 7:00 PM and Guilford Technical Community College on Thursday at 7:00 PM.  Thursday night is Senior Night as the Wildcats will say farewell to seniors Reanna Bray and Sarah Slaughter.