Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs closed out the preseason by hosting a three-set exhibition match against top-ranked and defending national champion University of Tampa. Wingate won the first set 25-17, while Tampa won the second 25-19. The 'Dogs closed things out by winning the final frame 25-23.

THOUGHTS FROM SHELTON COLLIER

"It was a really special opportunity for our team to play such a high quality opponent in what turned out to be a really exciting atmosphere for our team. Our fan support for an afternoon exhibition match was awesome and it was rewarding to see our players step up and play well."

KEY STATS

- Wingate hit .283 on the day, with 44 kills and 14 errors in 106 attacks
- Tampa hit .214 with 40 kills and 16 errors in 112 swings
- The Bulldogs held a 43-37 advantage in digs, while notching five of the six aces
- WU also had a 7-4 edge in blocks on the match
- WU hit .324 in the first set and .355 in the final frame
- The 'Dogs also held the Spartans to a .057 hitting percentage in set one, allowing just eight kills

KEY BULLDOGS

- Molly Lambillotte had eight kills, 11 digs and three blocks, hitting .375
- Emily Johnson hit .462 with seven kills in 13 swings
- Maggie Young hit .375 with seven kills, adding two blocks
- Victoria Wilform had five kills and just one error in 17 swings
- Rayah Givens notched four kills in five swings, hitting .800 with three blocks
- Gabby Saye had three kills in four swings, hitting .750 with an ace and a block
- Lorna Stacherski contributed four kills and eight digs
- Shannon Kasprak piled up 23 assists, seven digs and five kills
- Taryn Pryce had seven digs and three aces
- Maggie Mullen added six digs
- Clare Sheedy collected 13 assists and two digs in one set of action

UP NEXT

- Wingate opens the regular season with four matches in Charlotte this weekend
- The 'Dogs face Mount Olive Friday at noon and Lee at 4 p.m.
- WU takes on Tampa Saturday at noon, then wraps up the weekend at 4 p.m. against Concord