• High Point fell to Radford in five sets on the road.
• Senior Kristin Heldt hit .333 with 16 kills and 10 digs.
• Junior Gabi Mirand dished out 54 assists with three service aces.
RADFORD, Va. – The High Point University volleyball team dropped a five-set thriller at Radford on Friday in Big South Conference play. The Panthers battled back from a 2-1 deficit to force a fifth set but came up just short in the decisive set.
“This was a good match between two very competitive teams,” said head coach Jason Oliver. “It came down to a few swings which is what happens in really close matches. I am proud of the progress this team has made and the heart they showed tonight. We will keep improving and peak at the right time.”
Senior Kristin Heldt led the Panthers with 16 kills and 10 digs. Freshman Haley Barnes added 15 kills and six digs while junior Gabi Mirand dished out 54 assists with three service aces. Junior Wavie Chin finished with a match-high 23 digs.
Rachel Weichecki led all players with 26 kills and a .379 attack percentage for the Highlanders. RU improves to 13-6 overall and 3-1 in Big South play. High Point dropped to 7-10 for the season with a 1-3 mark in league play.
The Panthers edged RU in a tight first set, 25-23. HPU outhit the Highlanders .250 to .235 and got a huge swing from Barnes for the final point. Radford won sets two and three to take the match lead. HPU won set four 25-21 with freshman Camryn Freiberg putting down the final two points.
In set five HPU had an early 5-4 lead after another Freiberg kill. Radford went on a four-point run to lead the frame 8-5. High Point closed within one, 7-8, but couldn’t overcome the deficit and lost the set 15-11.
High Point travels to Liberty on Saturday for a 2 p.m. match at the Vines Center. Liberty topped Campbell in three sets tonight.