Savannah, Ga. - The Wingate Volleyball Team (30-2) defeated Lenoir-Rhyne (19-12), 3-0, in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Tournament Thursday afternoon at the Aquatics & Recreation Center on the campus of Armstrong Atlantic State University.

The Bulldogs prevailed over the Bears by scores of 25-19, 25-19 and 25-20 en route to the win.

Wingate, which increased its winning streak to 21 matches, will now face league-foe Newberry (19-14) in the regional semifinals on Friday at 5:00 p.m.?

Newberry beat Flagler (22-11) by a 3-1 score in the opening round.

Susie Murach (Burke, Va.), Anna Hilton (Hickory, N.C.) and Shelly Stumpff (Iowa City, Iowa) all had nine kills each to lead the Bulldogs to the win.

Alison Cooke (Davidson, N.C.) dished out a match-high 28 assists while Stephanie Tassone (Chicago, Ill.) finished with 22 digs as the Bulldogs defeated the Bears for the second time this season.

Lenoir-Rhyne, making its first postseason trip since 2004, was led by freshman outside hitter Morgan Bunker (Mount Airy, N.C.) with six kills and 10 digs while sophomore return specialist Emily Culler (Mount Airy, N.C.) added a team-high 17?digs despite the loss.

Freshman setter Briana Gottberg (Mooresville, N.C.) totaled 11 assists and six digs as well for the Bears, who hit just .055 for the contest and suffered their second straight loss.