Paige O'Connor and Katie Anderson combine for 27 kills in the win against the Barton College Bulldogs.

Southern Wesleyan University took an early lead in the first set against the Barton College Bulldogs Friday evening.  The intensity grew as Katie Anderson and the Warriors scored their eleventh point of the match giving them an 11-3 lead over the Bulldogs.  The Bulldogs were not going to let the Warriors take the first set easily as they score four in a row to bring the set to 11-7, but the Warriors retaliated with four more points on the board bringing the set to 14-8.  The Warriors won the first set 25-20 on a wide serve by the Bulldogs.

The Barton Bulldogs were not done yet, though.  The start of the second set showed just how much they wanted it, taking a 2-1 lead over the Warriors.  The Warriors rallied to take a 6-3 lead over the Bulldogs, but the Bulldogs drove the score up until they were tied 13-13.  The energy in the stands was rising as the Warriors pulled ahead to 23-22.  Kendall Vallancourt assisted in scoring the tying touch, bringing the game to 24-24.  However, the Bulldogs were not finished, pulling ahead 27-25 to win the second set.

Barton took an early lead in the third set, but the Warriors fought and regained a 5-3 lead.  The two teams battled back in forth, each team looking to take the third set.  The Bulldogs tied the set several times, but each time the Warriors fought to regain the lead.  The Warriors took their namesake to heart and pushed ahead to lead 22-17.  Paige O'Connor made the winning serve for the Warriors, taking set three 25-18.

The third set started much like the previous two sets with the Bulldogs taking an early lead over Southern Wesleyan.  With all three SWU seniors on the court, the Warriors came back to tie the game 7-7.  The tie was short lived as the Bulldogs pulled ahead 9-7.  A serve by Vallancourt, however, ended in the Warriors taking an 11-10 lead.  The Bulldogs threatened, but a save by Anna Hughey allowed the Warriors to gain the time to take a 17-11 lead over Barton.  With the crowd feeding their energy, the Warriors fought hard and won the final set of the match 25-22.

"What an awesome evening and a great win to celebrate our amazing seniors!" said Head Volleyball Coach Julia Reininga.  "I'm very proud of the team!  Thanks to all the amazing fans for the great support tonight!"

Annika Jones gains 38 assists in the win.  Jones, Anna Hughey and Milica Stamenic combine for 39 digs.  The win for the Warrior brings the Warriors record up to 13-10 and 11-4 in Conference Carolinas action.  The Barton College Bulldogs go to 18-8 and 13-2 in Conference action.

At the conclusion of the match, the Southern Wesleyan University Warriors' Volleyball team took time to celebrate their three seniors on the team.  Milica Stamenic, a Business Administration major with a double concentration in Accounting and Management, comes from Belgrade, Serbia, and has been named NCCAA All American, NCCAA All Region and NCCAA Scholar Athlete during her time at SWU.  Jenna Karel, a Biology major who is destined to PA school in the fall, comes from Byron Center, MI and also competes on the Warrior Track and Field team.  Sarah Hughey, a Biology major comes from Liberty, SC, and has been named NCCAA All American, All Region, and All-Academic Team each of her year that she has competed at Southern Wesleyan.

"These young ladies have been a part of many amazing accomplishments during their time here," commented Coach Reininga on her three seniors.  "They are a part of the first ever inaugural NCAA Division II volleyball season and have been successful on the court and the classroom!  Winning two NCCAA Regional Championships and making two NCCAA Final Four appearances.  Their accomplishments will live on and continue to grow here at SWU!"

The Warriors will return to Tysinger Gymnasium on November 5 where they will take on the University of Mount Olive Trojans at 2 p.m.  This game will be the last regular season game for the Warriors.