Aiken, SC - North Greenville began the 2021 season with a 3-2 loss to the University of Alabama Montgomery Warhawks and followed up with a 3-0 loss to the Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles this afternoon in the USC Aiken Invitational Tournament. The Crusaders fell short in the first two sets against the Warhawks but fought back to force a 5th set. However, Alabama Montgomery would ultimately escape with the win. In the second match, NGU was unable to slow down the Eagles, who posted a .392 attack percentage for the match.
Results
- Score: Match One - NGU 2 / UAM 3 | Match Two - NGU 0 / ERAU 3
- Location: Convocation Center / Aiken, SC
- Record: NGU 0-2 / UAM 2-0 / ERAU 2-0
Recap
- The opening match of the season would get off to a rocky start for the Crusaders as the Warhawks would comfortable take the first two sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-19. NGU would show some life in set three, narrowly edging UAM 25-23. Set four proved to be NGU's strongest of the day as a .350 attack percentage would lead to a one-sided score of 25-13 to force a fifth set. However, that set would be a different story as six errors led to just a .053 attack percentage, allowing the Warhawks to win the deciding set 15-11.
- Match two of the day proved to be a struggle as a productive and efficient Emory-Riddle attack was simply too much to slow down. After dropping the first set 25-13, North Greenville would improve both offensively and defensively in set two. However, the Eagles would still win the set 25-17 and continued to play well in the third set, taking it 25-16.
Individual
- Abigail Durham began her season on a solid note, posting 17 kills and averaging 2.13 kills per set.
- Emmie Lancaster put up similar numbers with 17 kills and 2.13 kills per set while trailing Durham slightly in total attacks.
- Abby Pyke provided 25 assists and 4 service aces.
Upcoming
- NGU will attempt to bounce back tomorrow in the USC Aiken Invitational, starting with a 3:00 PM match against the Jaguars of Augusta University.
