The High Point University volleyball team lost to Coastal Carolina in five sets Saturday at The HTC Center in Conway, S.C. Four Panthers put up double-digit kills in the loss. HPU finishes the season with a 20-10 overall record and a 9-5 record in Big South matches.
“We had a few players who really played well but when it came to crunch time Coastal Carolina made the big plays,” said head coach Jason Oliver. “I feel like the box score looks exactly the same as the last time we played them. We led in most of the statistical categories but didn’t score in the crucial situations. We will spend a lot of time this week working on fundamentals. Championship teams excel at serving and passing and we need to fine tune a few things.”
Sophomore Chelsea Davis led the team with 18 kills and senior Courtney Johnk 13 kils. Sophomore Kristin Heldt added 12 kills and junior Michelle Chakirelis posted 10 kills, seven blocks and a .529 attack percentage. Redshirt-sophomore Maddie Simpson dished out 50 assists and had 12 digs and three blocks.
High Point and Coastal Carolina went back and forth throughout the match. The Chanticleers won set one 25-23, scoring the final two points of the frame on kills by Meghan Laffin. HPU hit .321 to roll to a 25-17 win in the second set.
The Chanticleers overcame an 18-12 High Point lead to win the third set 25-21. Gabriella Horvath had three straight kills in the Coastal Carolina run. The Panthers tied the match 2-2 with a 25-22. High Point hit .371 with 13 kills and no attack errors.
Coastal Carolina sided out at 81 percent to win the fifth set 15-10 and take the match 3-2. The Chanticleers finish the season with a 12-13 overall record and a 10-4 mark in Big South play.
The Panthers will play in the Big South Conference Tournament beginning on Thursday in Boiling Springs, N.C.