Runnin’ Bulldogs: A Tale of Defeat and Determination
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gather ’round, sports fans! The Gardner-Webb University volleyball team donned their best fighting spirit—presumably something like a jumpsuit with a cape—only to fall 3-0 to the formidable Winthrop in their 2024 home finale at the oh-so-glamorous Paul Porter Arena. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t quite the homecoming they were hoping for.
Much like a romantic comedy where the protagonist keeps trying and failing to confess their love, the Runnin’ Bulldogs valiantly toiled against second-place Winthrop, who were clearly the overachieving love interest. Gardner-Webb had some glimmers of hope—think of it as stumbling onto your ex at a bar, thinking you might hit it off again while they seem keen to move on. You know, the usual shaky sequences that give you a hint of possibility. There was a commendable 6-1 run in the second set that might have made some fans feel a flutter of hope, even if it ultimately ended in despair.
Set Highlights That Made Us Go “Oooohhh”
Let’s dive into the drama! The first set turned out to be a nail-biter, with the teams trading blows like two boxers with questionable training. Locked in a nail-biting 12-12 tie near the first media timeout, it was Samia Sayd (yes, I’m going to keep saying her name because we all need a hero), fresh out of the university womb, who stepped up like she was auditioning for a superhero movie with four mega kills. Unfortunately, her valiant efforts were overshadowed by Winthrop pulling off an 11-3 run like they were on a caffeinated sugar high. Final score of that set? A not-so-glamorous 25-16. Ouch!
Into the second set, it was like watching an old car struggle to start—lots of hopeful chugging but ultimately no vroom! Though Gardner-Webb never led, they made their valiant attempts to fight back, having the audacity to bring it within striking distance with a late push. It’s like when you try to run after a bus only to realize you’ll never catch it. The score? 25-19. Cue the sad trombone.
Now, onto the third set! No lead larger than three points? Exciting stuff! Gardner-Webb even led for a brief moment, thanks to a little gift from Winthrop—let’s call that a generous helping of bad luck for the visitors. And just when the fans thought, “Maybe, just maybe…” Hornaday came through with a kill and a block, igniting a brief glimmer of hope. Tied at 24, it was like a movie cliffhanger—will they or won’t they? But alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Winthrop took the last two points and sealed the match with a resounding 26-24 victory.
Bright Bursts of Talent!
Despite the scoreboard, there were some stars shining through the clouds of defeat. Cayton White topped the charts with nine kills—absolutely slaying it! Samia Sayd and Isabel Sandstrum also echoed the battle cries with seven kills each, proving that determination was palpable, even if the win was elusive. Not to forget Sloane Rooney, who passed out 14 assists like a game show host handing out rewards while Molly Littlefield was on the backlines, racking up 27 digs—probably the only thing she was digging throughout the night.
Looking Ahead to Winthrop
The Runnin’ Bulldogs now look to finish the 2024 season with a game at Winthrop. Oh, what a twist! Can we just call it a plot twist of epic proportions? Coming soon to a gym near you: “Runnin’ Bulldogs: The Season Finale.” Mark your calendars for November 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM, because they say coming back for seconds can sometimes be a good thing…unless you’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet. But that’s a story for another day.
In conclusion, keep your spirits high, Gardner-Webb fans! As they prepare for their next match, it’s vital to remember—win or lose, it’s all in the name of the game. Plus, who doesn’t love a good comeback story?
Until next time, keep those volleyballs flying, and remember: at the end of the day, it’s not about the win, but the humor you find along the way!
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb University volleyball team concluded its 2024 home season with a decisive 3-0 loss to the visiting Winthrop Eagles at the Paul Porter Arena. The contest showcased the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ tenacity, as they fought fiercely against the second-place Eagles throughout all three sets.
Despite trailing most of the night, Gardner-Webb had opportunities to seize momentum, highlighted by a spirited 6-1 run in the second set and a late 3-1 surge deep in the third. In the first set, both teams struggled to establish dominance until Winthrop unleashed a decisive late 11-3 run, ultimately winning the set 25-16. Freshman outside hitter Samia Sayd made significant contributions early on, registering four kills and keeping the pressure on Winthrop.
In the second set, despite never taking the lead, Gardner-Webb consistently kept the score close, relying on redshirt sophomore Cayton White, who responded to an early deficit with two critical kills that brought the score to a tight 8-7. Freshman Isabel Sandstrum emerged as a key player in the latter part of the set, amassing two kills as part of a five-point rally, narrowing Winthrop’s lead to just four points at 19-15. Nonetheless, the Eagles rallied once again to secure the set 25-19 and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
The third set proved to be equally competitive, with neither team leading by more than three points. After an early deficit of 4-1, Gardner-Webb fought back to take a narrow 9-8 lead, capitalizing on a misplay by Winthrop. Hornaday’s timely block and kill propelled the Bulldogs to a brief 18-17 advantage, forcing Winthrop into a strategic timeout. As the set unfolded, Sandstrum’s impressive seventh kill tied the set at 24, giving Gardner-Webb a fighting chance. However, the Eagles closed the match with two consecutive points, finishing the Runnin’ Bulldogs 26-24, sealing the 3-0 victory.
Leading the offensive efforts for Gardner-Webb, Cayton White recorded a commendable nine kills, while both Samia Sayd and Isabel Sandstrum contributed with seven each. Redshirt sophomore Sloane Rooney provided crucial playmaking with a team-high 14 assists, and sophomore libero Molly Littlefield showcased her defensive prowess with an impressive 27 digs.
In their season finale, the Runnin’ Bulldogs will face Winthrop again on the road, looking for redemption in a 6:00 p.m. match scheduled in Rock Hill on November 15.
What were the key standout performances from the Runnin’ Bulldogs in their match against Winthrop?
Samia Sayd put on an impressive display, earning four kills and demonstrating her potential as a rising star for the Runnin’ Bulldogs, yet the team could not capitalize on their opportunities to secure any sets.
The second set showcased Gardner-Webb’s resilience, even though they never led. The Bulldogs managed to rally back from a deficit, briefly bringing the score within striking distance with a 6-1 run. However, they eventually succumbed to Winthrop’s consistent offense, with the set ending at 25-19 in favor of the Eagles.
Heading into the third set, the intensity heightened. Both teams traded points with neither able to pull away significantly, maintaining a thrilling back-and-forth. Gardner-Webb even took a brief lead thanks to a few uncharacteristic errors from Winthrop. With the score tied at 24, the tension in the arena was palpable. Unfortunately for Runnin’ Bulldogs fans, Winthrop clinched the match by winning the final two points, resulting in a 26-24 score in the set.
Despite the loss, the Runnin’ Bulldogs had standout performances worth noting. Cayton White led the team with nine kills, while Sayd and Isabel Sandstrum each contributed seven. Setter Sloane Rooney dished out 14 assists, and defensive specialist Molly Littlefield garnered 27 digs, showcasing the team’s determination and effort despite the final outcome.
Looking forward, the Bulldogs will face Winthrop again on November 15, 2024. This rematch provides a prime opportunity for the team to build on their experiences from this match and strive for a comeback.
The support from fans during this season has been crucial, and as we anticipate the next matchup, let’s keep our spirits high and remember that each game is a stepping stone in the quest for improvement and victory. Until then, keep those volleyballs flying and stay positive; after all, every champion was once a contender that refused to give up!
