WINGATE, N.C. --- The Tusculum women's volleyball team dropped a four-set decision on Friday night to Wingate, who was receiving national recognition in this week's poll.

The Pioneers (12-6, 8-3 SAC) fell to the Bulldogs (16-2, 9-1 SAC) by scores of 21-25, 25-20, 23-25, 20-25).

Wingate was paced by Gabby Saye's 12 kills and 11 from Amber Rowoldt, hitting a combined .400. Three Bulldogs recorded double-digit assists: Clare Sheedy (18), Maya Van Heyst (14), and Katie Jamerson (12). Rowoldt was responsible for half of the WU service aces with four. Defensively, both Rowoldt and libero Maggie Mullen tallied 14 digs, ahead of 11 by Van Heyst. At the net, Maggie Young notched three block assists.

Aly Freeland led the Pioneer attack with 11 kills. Emiah Burrowes (9), Olivia Crowl (8), and Whitney Thompson (8) followed closely behind, including the latter two hitting .400 or above. Rounding out the scoring was Martina Foster (7), Madison Adkins (3), Jordyn Anderson (1), and Christina Jackson (1). Adkins dished out 41 assists, while Burrowes, Perri Wood, and Caley Sosnowski each landed a pair of aces. Adkins, Freeland, and Taylor Sanders also collected a service point. Sosnowski and Freeland tied for a team-best nine digs, one more than Burrowes. Foster is credited with four total blocks (one solo, three assists), just ahead of three assists by Thompson.

Wingate hit .323 as a team with 57 kills and 16 errors on 127 total attempts. Tusculum hit .246 with 48 kills, 13 errors, and 142 total attacks. The Pioneers led the match in service aces (9-8) and total blocks (6-5), while the Bulldogs tallied more assists (52-44) and digs (74-47).

Tusculum returns home for a pair of matches next week, beginning with Limestone on Tuesday (Oct. 17) night. First serve between the Pioneers and Saints is scheduled for 7 p.m.