CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Cougars had their backs against the wall down 0-2, but came back to win the next three sets to beat Central Michigan 3-2 and win the Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview Invitational title Saturday night at Carolina First Arena (19-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-17, 15-12).   

It was a balanced effort that led CofC (10-4) to victory. Senior Whitney Russell led the way with 17 kills, but had help from tournament MVP Elyse Chubb (16 kills and five blocks) and All-Tournament team selection, freshman Madelyn McGinnis (15 kills). Senior Cole Dawley had her second consecutive double-double with 48 assists and 11 digs.

For the tournament Chubb finished with 33 kills and 16 blocks in the three CofC wins and said this win will give the team momentum moving forward.

"It was good to win a fifth set, because last weekend we were a little disappointed after losing in five," she said. "We battled really hard in the third, fourth and fifth games and its going to give us confidence heading into conference play."

CofC head coach Jason Kepner said he has talked a lot to his team about the ability to finish games.

"We talked about needing to perform better," he said of his speech after the team went down 0-2. "We had a hard time finishing off a team last weekend and we were up in the second game and let them come back. The focus for us was our side of the ball and being clean and playing hard."

After losing a heartbreaker in five-sets to Oregon State in last weekends CofC Classic, the Cougars were able to finish off Central Michigan (7-6) and win their first tournament since the 2008 season.

"We knew Central Michigan was ready to fight hard and they gave us a tough challenge," Kepner said. "They are going to have a great season, but I'm really happy to get this win, its going to help us move smoothly into conference play."

The Cougars will resume play on Tuesday in their first conference match at 6p.m. against The Citadel.