Volleyball’s battle against Bobcats

Coastal Carolina University’s volleyball team took on Texas State University in their last two regular season matches of the season on Nov. 10 and 11. 

On Nov. 10, the Chanticleers dropped a close first set 22-25, but bounced back quickly with 25-20, 25-23 wins in their next two sets. The Bobcats controlled the fourth set, with 21-14 as their biggest lead. They held off a run by Coastal and won the set 25-19 to even out the match 2-2.  

The Bobcats continued their fourth-set dominance to take an 8-0 lead in the fifth set. CCU head volleyball coach Jozsef Forman was forced to call both team’s timeouts early as the team faced a deficit. Coastal was unable to go on a run and lost the final set 7-15. 

Outside hitter Ella Saada finished with 16 kills and setter Brigitta Petrenko totaled 50 assists to lead the Chanticleer offense. Defensive specialist and captain Lina Perugini finished with 24 digs.  

On Nov. 11, super seniors Christina Nance, Paulina Perez Rosas, and Ella Saada were all celebrated before the match.  

The Chanticleers again dropped the first set but rebounded with second and third set wins to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Texas State controlled the majority of the fourth set and took a 19-15 lead, but Coastal went on a run to catch up 20-19. The Bobcats were able to maintain their lead and won the set 25-22.  

The two teams again went into the fifth set for the second match in a row. The score was tied 7-7 halfway through, but the Bobcats won the set 15-10 and the match 3-2. 

Saada again led the offense with 21 kills, marking her 14th consecutive match with double-digit kills. On the defensive end, Nance and Saada combined for 13 of the Chanticleers’ 14 blocks on the night while Perugini finished with a game-leading 27 kills.  

The team finished the regular season with a 17-12 overall record and 9-7 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Chanticleers will move onto postseason action in the Sun Belt Conference Championship.