HPU Volleyball tops Campbell in Big South opener

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – The High Point University volleyball team opened Big South Conference play with a four-set win at Campbell on Friday. Redshirt-sophomore Maddie Simpson had 37 assists in the win, setting sophomore Chelsea Davis up for a match-high 15 kills.

“I am very happy with the way we came out ready to play tonight,” said head coach Jason Oliver. “Campbell came out with a ton of energy for their home opener and we were able to match it. We showed maturity and made big-time plays. Every road win in conference play is a huge win.”

The Panthers improved to 16-5 on the season and 1-0 in league games with the 3-1 (25-23, 25-17, 22-25, 25-12) win. Davis finished the match with 15 kills and nine digs and senior Courtney Johnk added 14 kills and four blocks.

High Point won the first two sets to quiet the crowd that showed for Campbell’s home opener. The Camels rallied late to win the third set and hold off the sweep. In the fourth set HPU rolled to a 25-12 win to take the match.

High Point went on a 10-2 run to win the first set 25-23. Davis accounted for five of HPU’s points with four kills and a block, including the final point of the frame. The Panthers trailed 15-21 and sided out on a Campbell service error. The Panthers scored six straight points to take a 22-21 lead. Johnk had two kills to bring up set point and Davis won the frame with her seventh kill.

The Panthers stormed out to a 21-12 lead in the second set and held off a late push by the Camels to win the frame 25-17. High Point outhit Campbell .250 to .094. Johnk stepped up with five kills in the second frame.

Campbell rallied to win the third set 25-22 and avoided the sweep. The Camels erased a three-point HPU lead and tied the frame 21-21 on a kill by Renatta Laport and held on to win the set and force a fourth set.

The Panthers opened up a 13-2 lead in the fourth set. They scored five straight points with Davis at the service line, including two aces for the sophomore. High Point won the set 25-12.

Freshman Annemarie Chin came up with 21 digs in the win and sophomore Kristin Heldt added nine kills.

High Point is back in action on Sunday with a 2 p.m. match at North Carolina A&T.