HPU outlasts Winthrop to clinch conference tourney title

Nov. 20—HIGH POINT — High Point University let one big opportunity slip away. It wouldn't let another.

The top-seeded Panthers had match point four times in the fourth set but couldn't seal the deal. But they regrouped well, built a big lead early in the fifth and finished off second-seeded Winthrop 25-17, 23-25, 25-11, 27-29, 15-9 in the Big South Conference volleyball tournament final Sunday in the Millis Center.

High Point, with its second straight tournament title, earned the conference's automatic bid into next week's NCAA Tournament. It will be the program's sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last eight years.

"We've talked a lot this season about being tough and coming back. And we did that tonight," High Point coach Ryan Meek said. "Most teams, if they lose that fourth set then the fifth is over.

"We just regrouped, got back out there, bombed some serves, dug some balls and suddenly we're celebrating. Yeah, I would've loved it to be easier. But Winthrop played great, and I was really happy that we did respond."

Dylan Maberry had 21 kills and 12 digs to lead the Panthers (23-6), who have won 17 straight matches following a challenging nonconference schedule early in the season. Eve Wilson added 16 kills with a .406 hit percentage.

Wilson, who also had six blocks, was selected tournament MVP while Maberry and Jordyn Schilling, who had 27 digs, were named all-tournament. Allie Gray also chipped in 58 assists and 19 digs.

"It feels surreal," said Wilson, a freshman middle blocker. "This match was a battle — Winthrop did not make it easy. They really came out, they're a great defensive team. We had to scrap and really play High Point volleyball.

"Our response is something we've really been working on this year. And not giving up when teams play well — staying true to us, digging balls, attacking and just playing High Point volleyball."

High Point, after splitting the opening two sets, rolled in the third — quickly leading 9-1 and pushing its advantage to double digits late. It led by eight late in the fourth before inching within a point of clinching the title at 24-20.

But the Eagles (14-13) — who hadn't won a set against the Panthers in their two matches during the regular season — fended off four match points, maintained the advantage and finally won the set on their fourth set point.

High Point, however, quickly bounced back in the fifth. It won the first three points of the winner-take-all race to 15, extended its lead to 10-2 and led by double digits at 13-3 on a kill by Christine Graf, who had 13 kills.

A couple points later, the Panthers again went to Graf along the left side, soaring for a spike that deflected off the defenders at the net and launched beyond the back line. That final point clinched the championship for High Point.

"I think we realized we didn't take care of it," Wilson said of bouncing back in the fifth. "And we really just wanted to dominate and finish with a bang, end it with no worries.

"It's always nice to have a big lead. When you work with a lead, it makes it a lot less stressful. I think we all came together — defense, serving, attack."

The Panthers, who will visit TCU on Tuesday, will learn their NCAA Tournament opponent Sunday, Nov. 26, during the selection show. Play will begin with the first round Thursday, Nov. 30, and the second round Saturday, Dec. 2.

"It means a lot," Meek said. "Our team lost a lot from last year to the transfer portal and graduation. And one of the things we talked about in December when we were recruiting a lot of these transfers is: You're going to have a chance to win here; you're going to have a chance to go to the tournament.

"And I think that's really been a rallying cry for them. Like we have a chance to do something special. So it's awesome we're going to get that opportunity."

mlindsay@hpenews.com — @HPEmichael