Dallas, Texas----The Wingate University Bulldogs made an impressive statement Wednesday afternoon on day one of the 2021 AVCA National Championships. Wingate started the day with an emphatic sweep over region rival Flagler, downing the Saints 25-19, 25-11 and 25-22, after Flagler went 15-3 on the season. The 'Dogs picked up a huge victory over #3 Hillsdale in the night cap, rallying for a thrilling five set win, prevailing 22-25, 15-25, 25-17, 25-21 and 15-11 after the Chargers were 16-1 on the year. Wingate went 11-1 in the regular season, while also capturing the SAC Tournament title.

MATCH ONE | Wingate 3 Flagler 0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-22)

- Wingate 11-1; 8-1 SAC
- Flagler 16-3; 13-1 PBC
- Sophie Schaff had 13 kills to lead the Bulldogs
- Maggie Young had nine kills on 13 swings, hitting .690
- Shannon Kasprak handed out 30 assists

THOUGHTS FROM SHELTON COLLIER

"This was a really good win for us over a strong Flagler team that had already beaten Hillsdale 3-0 in this tournament. It was a very competitive, intense match and it was impressive that our team found a way to win it."

THOUGHTS FROM MOLLY LAMBILLOTTE

"Our team came out very strong from the first point until the last point, which was a great start to the tournament for us. Our offense and defense were moving as one unit which led us to be successful in the rallies. Our serve receive was also on point which set Shannon and our offense up for success. This is an awesome opportunity for our team and we are making the most of it. We are excited to continue to get better and keep working hard through the remainder of this tournament!"

MATCH TWO | Wingate 3, #3 Hillsdale 2 (22-25, 15-25, 25-17, 25-21, 15-11)

- Wingate 11-1; 8-1 SAC
- Hillsdale 16-1; 11-0 GMAC
- Schaff had 14 kills to lead the Bulldogs
- Quin Sutphin also contributed 14 kills
- Molly Lambillotte added 11 kills
- Young registered 10 kills for the 'Dogs
- Kasprak notched a double-double, handing out 53 assists on the night

THOUGHTS FROM SHELTON COLLIER

"This was the most impressive and significant win ever for Wingate volleyball. Right on top of an emotional win against Flagler, we find a way to come back from two sets down to upset the number three team in the country.  Our players really had to reach back for something special with this win."

THOUGHTS FROM SOPHIE SCHAFF

"I'm so proud of my team for pushing through and grinding out each point against a top team! It's so cool that we can come together and hang tough in a national tournament with so many high-level teams. I couldn't be more proud to make Wingate history here in Dallas taking down the #3 team in the country!"

THOUGHTS FROM SHANNON KASPRAK

"I think I say this almost every match, but this team truly inspires me. Today we played some of the highest level volleyball we could possibly play and every point was a grind. We played top-level teams and outlasted them and gave each other what we needed and had so much fun while doing it. I am so proud of this team and what we accomplished today."

UP NEXT

- Wingate is back in action Thursday for day two of the AVCA Championships
- The Bulldogs face Texas International at 11 a.m.
- Wingate will be back in action at 4 p.m., but that opponent is yet to be determined
- The 'Dogs won their three-team pool on Wednesday