Lander LU 22-6

Wingate WU 31-2

Lander LU

22-6

Final

Dec. 08, 2024

Wingate WU

31-2

Set Scores
Team	1	2	3	F
Lander LU	17	18	23	(0)
Wingate WU	25	25	25	(3)

Summary
Box Score

Hailey Franklin

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | 12/8/2024 5:52:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Bearcats' Historic Season Ends in Southeast Regional Final

Wingate, N.C. - The journey of the Lander Bearcats volleyball team came to a close in the Southeast Regional Final as they fell to the top-seeded Wingate Bulldogs in three hard-fought sets (17-25, 18-25, 23-25) at Cuddy Arena. The loss ended Lander's impressive historic 22-6 season.

Though the Bearcats couldn't overcome Wingate's relentless pressure, their fight was evident throughout the match. Junior Katie Miller delivered a standout performance, recording a team-high 13 kills and 16 digs. Defensively, Emmi Cheek and Madde Blake added 14 and 13 digs, respectively.

Wingate's offensive efficiency proved to be the difference, as the Bulldogs posted a .214 hitting percentage compared to Lander's .121. The Bearcats struggled with consistency in the first two sets, hitting .159 and .042, but found some rhythm in the third, managing a .167 clip. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to derail Wingate's well-balanced approach.

Set one and set the tone for the match, with Wingate capitalizing on their .231 hitting percentage to pull away late. Lander kept it closer in the second set but was hampered by unforced errors, posting eight attack errors compared to Wingate's four. The Bearcats came closest in the third set, clawing back to within striking distance, but the Bulldogs' composure at the net sealed their victory.

Hear from Head Coach Jeff Reynolds, Sophomore setter Lauren Down, and Freshman libero Emmi Cheek:

Four Bearcat players, Katie Miller, Lauren Dow, Madde Blake, and Emmi Cheek, were named to the NCAA DII Southeast Regional All-Tournament team.

For Lander, the loss marks the end of a remarkable season filled with grit, determination, and unforgettable memories.

Season Accomplishments

First Peach Belt Conference title in program history
Highest NCAA Tournament seed in program history
First Southeast Region Championship appearance in program history
Back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in program history
PBC Player, Setter, Freshman, and Coach of the Year
Numerous individual program and conference records

The Bearcats graduated several key contributors this year, including graduate students Olivia Dow and Madde Blake and seniors Blondie Penaflor and Ellyn Adams, whose leadership helped propel the program to new heights. With a solid core of underclassmen returning, Lander's future looks bright.

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