Volleyball closes out their season against UNC Wilmington
By: Jordan Cope, Assistant Sports Editor
Towson’s season came to an end at the Colonial Athletic Association Championship tournament after falling to UNC Wilmington in the semifinals 3-2 on Nov. 21.
“We were up big but faltered down the stretch,” Head Coach Don Metil said. “Early, we were playing with confidence and passing well, but then things deteriorated.”
In set one, the Tigers earned a 25-15 victory.
The set was tight early, but Towson went on a pair of 4-0 runs to take 14-7 lead. Despite a late 3-0 run from UNC Wilmington, Towson hung on to win the set after winning four of the last five plays.
In set two, the Tigers earned a 25-23 victory.
Set two was close early, but Towson went on a 5-0 run to take a 10-4 lead. However, UNC Wilmington responded with a 4-0 run of its own later to tighten up the game.
Although the Seahawks eventually tied the game 22-22, the Tigers closed out the set on a 2-0 run to secure a win.
Despite taking a 2-0 lead, Towson dropped its next three sets.
“Down the stretch we didn’t pass as well,” Metil said. “When you don’t pass well, you become predictable.”
In set three, the Tigers fell 25-14.
The Tigers led the set 4-3, but UNC Wilmington went on a 6-0 run to take a 9-4 lead. UNC Wilmington later went on a 5-0 run to take a 17-7 lead before closing things out on a 4-0 run.
In set four, Towson fell 25-20.
The set was a tight battle, but the Seahawks took a 21-18 lead after opening up a 4-0 run. The Seahawks closed out the set winning four of the last five plays to force a decisive set five.
In the decisive fifth set, the Tigers fell 15-13.
Towson took an early 9-2 lead over UNC Wilmington thanks to an early 5-0 run. However, UNC Wilmington responded late with an 8-0 run to close out the set and Towson’s season.
“Sunday was a day of reflection, and I am at peace with what happened,” Metil said. “I learned that next year we need to be better prepared for a crisis situation like the one we saw Saturday.”
Although the Tigers endured a heartbreaking defeat, Metil and the team are already looking forward to next season.
“It will be a battle next season,” Metil said. “We have a lot of young kids and some tough conference opponents, but we are going to find a way to pass more consistently and prevent predictable passing.”
