WINGATE, N.C. – Catawba dropped a three-set match at Wingate in South Atlantic Conference volleyball action on Friday night at Cuddy Arena. The Bulldogs, who were just outside the DII top 25 rankings this week, claim the SAC crown with a 25-22, 25-13 and 25-23 win. Wingate ups its record to 26-2 overall and 17-1 in the SAC. The Catawba Indians move to 7-17 and 5-12.

Hayes Smith led Catawba, reaching double digits with 10 kills and adding five digs. Kelcie Love followed with seven kills. Kary Hales picked up 20 digs with Dara Kane handing out 25 assists. Natalie Rehm had two blocks and Lauren Bodell served a pair of aces.

Catawba hung tight with the Bulldogs in the opening set. The teams were tied at 16-all and the Lady Indians trailed just 20-19 late in the set. Wingate used a three-point run to move ahead then held off a late Catawba rally.

After easily taking set two, Wingate again found itself in a battle in the third set. The Bulldogs jumped out to a leads of 15-9 and 19-11 before Catawba rallied. The Lady Indians got a kill from Bodell and ace from Hales and a combo block from Rehm and Raytchelle Miranda to close within 19-16.  Down 24-20, Catawba got two kills from Smith around a Wingate error to cut the margin to 24-23 before the Bulldogs finally prevailed.

Wingate hit just 19%, but served 15 aces in the win. Gabby Saye topped the Bulldogs with seven kills. Taryn Pryce served seven of the Wingate aces with Molly Lambillotte adding five more. Shannon Kasprak totaled 18 digs and posted 24 assists.

Catawba will close out its season with a match on Saturday at Coker at 2 p.m.