GREENVILLE, NC – The Hampton University volleyball won its first match of the season in dramatic fashion on Friday by defeating Winthrop in five sets to close out day one of the East Carolina Invitational.   Hampton (1-7) held off the Eagles 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 17-25, 15-12.

In a match that had 34 ties and 17 lead changes, each team alternated wins heading into the final set.  No one had more than a two point advantage until the final kill by Kelci Dixon that put Hampton up 15-12 and gave the Lady Pirates their first win of 2017.

Lena Washington had a season-high 19 kills and Victoria Jenifer added a season-best nine to pace Hampton.  Mallory Beard added season highs in assists with 21 and digs with nine while Lena Reed-Petracek added 13 assists.

In the opening match against the host East Carolina Pirates, Reeana Richardson had 10 kills and three digs, while Jenifer added six kills and three digs as Hampton fell 25-13, 25-12, 25-19.  The third set saw the score tied six times, but the host Pirates went on a flurry to close out the set and game.

Hampton will face Gardner-Webb (9am) and Citadel (4 pm) on Saturday to close out the ECU Invitational.

For more information on the Hampton University volleyball team, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.