Furman Outlasts Chattanooga in Five-Set Thriller at Timmons Arena

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman snapped a three-match losing streak and picked up its first Southern Conference win of the season Thursday, outlasting Chattanooga 3-2 at Timmons Arena.

The Paladins won 25-12, 25-15, and 16-14. They improved to 7-7 overall and 1-2 in SoCon play. Chattanooga fell to 5-10 and 0-3 in the conference.

Both teams entered at 0-2 in the SoCon and hungry for a first league victory. Furman also needed to rebound from back-to-back losses to Tennessee Tech.

Photo: Dez B.

Mocs Edge a Tight Opener

Chattanooga led the first set 22-15 at one point, but Furman refused to fold. The Paladins clawed back and pushed the set to the brink before the Mocs closed it out. No. 5 Jordin Glass delivered the set-winning point for Chattanooga.

Paladins Take Control

Furman answered in the second set. It built an early lead, extended it and never looked back in a 25-12 romp. No. 20 Tennyson Gorman stepped up at the net, and Chattanooga's energy faded.

The Mocs did have a spark in No. 23 Gracie Rose, whose presence at the net set a tone for her team.

The third set started fiercely for Chattanooga, which grabbed an early lead. Furman tied it at 8-8 with an ace, then took advantage as Chattanooga mistakes piled up. No. 23 Lindsay Walch made life tougher for the Mocs at the net, and Gorman finished it with the set-winning point in a 25-15 victory.

Chattanooga's No. 11 Kynli Kirkendoll remained a steady threat, strong at the net and capable of making plays all over the floor.

Mocs Force a Fifth Set

Facing a must-win fourth set, Chattanooga came out aggressive. The lead traded hands early, and Walch's kill tied it at 6-6. But the Mocs began to gain traction as Furman left open spots on the floor.

Chattanooga adjusted, took the lead and held it. A violation handed the Mocs set point, forcing a decisive fifth set.

Crowd Helps Push Furman Over the Line

Chattanooga's Rose and Kirkendoll, two of the Mocs' biggest difference-makers, were both at the net for the final set. Furman still grabbed an early lead, and the Paladins stayed relentless at the net as the momentum swung back and forth.

The Timmons Arena crowd roared as Furman moved ahead 14-11. Chattanooga fought back to tie it at 14, and the tension in the building grew. Furman got the next point to reach match point, and Chattanooga then hit the ball out of bounds to end it, 16-14.