CHARLESTON, S.C. - Trailing 2-0 in the match, Coastal Carolina rallied to win the final three sets 25-19, 28-26, 15-13 to defeat the College of Charleston in an exhibition match on Friday at TD Arena.
"I really enjoyed watching our team compete against last year's CAA champions and this year's favorite," said Chanticleers' head coach
Steve Loeswick. "We were able to get everyone some valuable playing time, which provided for growth and success. I'm looking forward to getting back to practice to build on this experience and focus on improving specific areas to ensure we are ready to play when the season officially begins next weekend."
The Chanticleers trailed 18-10 in the first set, then scored five straight points to cut the deficit to three and ultimately tied the set at 24-all and served for match point at 26-25 before the Cougars scored the final three points to win the opening set, 28-26.
CofC built an 18-12 advantage in the second set, but the Chants battled back to make it a one-point game at 21-20 before falling 25-23.
The tables began to turn in the third set as Coastal scored six consecutive points to break a 14-14 tie and take a 20-14 lead.
Jalyn Stout and
Emily Fowler scored the Chants' final two points to force a fourth set.
Charleston jumped out to a 9-1 lead in the fourth set, but Coastal went on an 18-5 run, which included three service aces, to take a 19-14 lead. The set was tied 23-all, and the team alternated points until a bad set by Sydney Bates from Stout's serve gave the Chants the set and sent the match to a deciding fifth set.
Ava Wallis' service ace scored the first of three consecutive points to give Coastal a 12-9 lead. The Cougars scored four of the next five points to tie the set at 13-all, but an attack error put the Chants back on top, and
Leah Olsen closed the match with a service ace.
The Chanticleers will open the 2025 season against Maryland at the HTC Center on Friday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m., then host North Carolina on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. ESPN+ will stream both matches.
For complete coverage of CCU volleyball, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalVBall (Twitter/Instagram), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.
