HPU Women's Volleyball Takes Home Opener Over Rival Elon In Breathtaking Fashion

by Sean Hamilton

September 1st, 2015

High Point, N.C. - After finding themselves in a 2-1 set deficit, the Panthers picked themselves back up and took the subsequent 4th and 5th sets in order to dispatch the local Elon Phoenix.

An excited crowd filled Millis Center eager for the cross-town matchup and the first chance to see the 2015 Panthers at home in action.  Several Elon Phoenix fans made the short journey to support their team as well, creating a pretty mixed home field advantage.  One notable Phoenix supporter was former NBA player Dell Curry, on hand to watch his daughter Sydel Curry (Elon Class of 2019).

Soph. Hayley Barnes of Neenah, Wisconsin picked apart the Phoenix defense all night with 14 kills. Freshman and fellow Wisconsin native Molly Livingston was also a huge factor in the win, she had 11 kills in the decision.  Elon Sophomore Megan Gravely also had a respectable game for the Phoenix with 10 kills.

The Panthers had a high number of errors in the first three sets, and the Phoenix capitalized by claiming an early 2-1 lead.  The Panthers were able to regather themselves and dominate the 4th set 25-12 which set up what would be a thrilling fifth set.

High Point climbed to an early 8-3 lead in the 15 point fifth set.  HPU was on the verge of victory and holding a 14-10 lead, when Elon scored a furious four consecutive points in order to force a win by two dual.

The Panthers buckled down when they found themselves in the 14-14 dog fight, and scored the next two final points after allowing Elon to equalize.

With the win the Panthers returned the favor of a similarly competitive five set Elon victory over HPU last year.

The victory brings HPU to an even 2-2 record and drops Elon to 0-4 on the young season.

You can hear what HPU Women's Volleyball Head Coach Jason Oliver had to say after the win on the High Point Panthers YouTube Page.

Also for more info you can visit the High Point Panthers Website.