Charlotte, NC -- The Johnson & Wales Wildcat Volleyball Team traveled to Johnson C. Smith University for the second match of the season between the two teams.  The last match was a thriller, with the Wildcats pulling out a 5-game victory. Johnson C. Smith certainly remembered that match, and they were ready to play Tuesday night.  JCSU evened the season score with a 3-0 win against the Wildcats.

The match started with some sloppy play from both sides.  JCSU settled in first, and they built a 9-5 lead over the Wildcats.  The Wildcats battled back at times, but the Golden Bulls were able to push their lead out to 17-11.  After a timeout, the Wildcats were able to score a few more points, but JCSU took the first game with a score of 25-16.

The second game could have been an equalizer for the Wildcats, but they came out flat.  After giving up 10 straight points, JWU played almost even with the Golden Bulls, but they could not overcome that first charge and dropped the second game 25-12.

The third game started with even play with the score tied at 5 and then 8 with JWU winning a long rally to gain some momentum.  It was quickly lost, though, as JCSU continued their aggressive play at the net with several blocks and kills to go on an 8-1 and take a 16-7 lead.  They never looked back and went on to take the game and match with a 25-11 victory.

The Wildcats were led by Kylie Marquardt with 4 kills, and Reanna Bray and Erika Ross each had 3 kills.  Hailey Thrift had 14 assists.  The Wildcats are at home on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of this week.  Thursday's match is at 6:00 PM against Sandhills Community College.  On Friday, the Wildcats play in a tri-match against Wake Technical Community College at 4:30 PM and Mid-Atlantic Christian University at 7:30 PM.  Wear pink with the Wildcats to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Friday.  Saturday's matches are in another tri-match against Morris College at 11:30 AM and Livingstone College at 2:30 PM.  Volleyball t-shirts and Gameday t-shirts will be available in the concession stand at the games.