NEWS

Jackie Barden was named MVP of the tournament.

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Davidson Wildcats split day two of the Wildcat Classic on Saturday, defeating Marshall in three-straight sets before falling to ETSU 3-1 in the nightcap. 

Jackie Bardin was named Tournament MVP, averaging 3.00 kills per set across the three-match weekend. The junior outside hitter also swung .272 with 30 kills. Additionally, Emma Slusser and freshman Kinsey Smith were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Match 1: Davidson 3, Marshall 0
Slusser’s 13 kills helped lift the Wildcats to their second-straight three-set victory against the Thundering Herd on Saturday afternoon.

With two service aces in the match, Isabel Decker’s first of the day capped off Davidson’s 25-17 first-set win. While the ‘Cats swung .326, and held the Herd to a .189 attack percentage, Decker and Slusser paced the home team with six kills apiece.

Davidson later jumped all over a 14-6 lead to start the second, recording eight kills on the team’s first 16 swings of the set. The Wildcats topped their first-set efforts, swinging .400 and closing out the 25-15 win off Slusser’s ninth kill of the day.

Led by Xuan Nguyen and Smith’s combined 42 assists, the ‘Cats held off Marshall in the third and final set, with a 25-18 match-clinching victory. 

Match 2: ETSU 3, Davidson 1
The Buccaneers tallied 15 total blocks and a .310 attack percentage to hold off the Wildcats in a four-set battle Saturday night. 

Although the ‘Cats hit just .164 in the match, Bardin recorded 15 kills and Slusser swung .438 (9 kills, 16 TA).

Despite falling behind after the first set, Davidson punched back in the second with three total blocks and a match-best .268 attack percentage to win it 25-22.

ETSU would not be denied, however, rallying from the 1-1 tie to win sets three and four, 25-19 and 25-15, respectively.

Up Next
The ‘Cats will return to action next weekend at the Duke Invitational, kicking off the weekend with a 7:30 p.m. contest against the Blue Devils from inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.