GREENVILLE, S.C. – Heading back on the road, doing so for the lone time this season during the midweek, USC Upstate volleyball fought until the last points against Furman Tuesday night before ultimately succumbing to the Paladins by scores of 25-20; 25-20, and 26-24.
 
Game Information
Score: Furman 3; USC Upstate 0 (25-20; 25-20; 26-24)
Records: USC Upstate (4-2; 0-0 Big South); Furman (5-1; 0-0 SoCon)
Location: Alley Gymnasium | Greenville, S.C.
 
How It Happened
Despite coming out on the unfavored side of the decision, USC Upstate remained steadfast throughout the night as the match saw 21 total ties and 11 lead changes throughout its duration as the Spartans held leads late into sets, including sending the third set to extra points—a first for the program this season.
 
The Spartans finished the night with a hitting efficiency greater than .200, accomplishing the feat for the third straight match and the fifth time in six matches this season, hitting .208 on the evening. Continuing her efficient start to the season, entering the night as one of the Big South's most efficient attackers, sophomore middle blocker Ady O'Grady finished the night hitting .346—her fourth match hitting .300 or better this season—as she registered a season-high-tying 13 kills to lead the Spartans.
 
Coming off Big South Player of the Week honors, junior outside hitter Ashleigh Nicoll neared her third consecutive double-double as she finished with nine kills and 10 digs. She was one of three Upstate players with 10 digs on the evening, joined by Big South Libero of the Week Julia Gladhill and senior defensive specialist Caroline Cleveland.
 
Finishing behind O'Grady and Nicoll on the leaderboard, senior outside hitter Zelasia Edwards and sophomore right-side hitter MJ Klaumann added eight and seven kills, respectively, as the pair each posted hitting efficiencies greater than .230 with Edwards posting a .259 clip and Klaumann a .238 clip.
 
Pacing the Spartans' offense, junior setter Kayla Spangler passed out 30 assists, handing out 10.00 or more assists in a three-set match for the third consecutive match. In service, Upstate landed five service aces with Edwards and senior setter Emma McElveen leading the way with two apiece.
 
UP Next for the Spartans
Following the team's lone midweek non-conference match of the season, Upstate remains on the road, heading north for three matches at the Black & Gold Classic. The two-day event sees the Spartans compete against host Appalachian State, UNC Greensboro, and North Carolina A&T in Boone, N.C.
 
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