ARLINGTON, Texas - Keeping Southern University (0-4) to just a .116 hitting percentage on Friday, UNCG volleyball (3-1) recorded its third win of the season on a three-set sweep over the Jaguars with set counts of 25-21, 25-20 and 25-13. The Spartans registered a season-high nine blocks to keep SU at bay, while junior hitter Maria Esch collected a match-high 11 kills. 

UNCG took the lead in set one and never looked back, going on a six-point run to take a 12-5 lead in the opening frame. The Spartans led by as much six in the first set, with junior Maria Esch tallying a match-high five kills. Reigning SoCon Setter of the Week Gabriela McHugh collected 13 helpers to push the Spartans to a 25-21 game victory, as the freshman finished the afternoon with 33 assists overall. 

Falling behind 4-1 in set number two, the Spartans climbed back to tie things up at 8-8 before finally taking their first lead of the frame at 17-16. Esch tallied three kills to close out the set in a 25-20 win for UNCG, as the junior held 11 and eight digs at the break, just two away from her first double-double of 2019.

The Spartans were dominant in the final frame, taking the first three points of the set before jumping out to a 7-1 lead. UNCG continued to hold a commanding lead throughout the final term with freshman Camille Anderson tallying three kills and a block to close out the match. Head Coach Corey Carlin's side wrapped up set number three on a 25-13 game victory, earning the sweep for their third win of 2019.

Three Things To Know From Match Vs. Southern
-- The Spartans outhit their opponents .313 to .116 on the afternoon, with Esch and McHugh hitting .625 and .714 respectively

-- Senior Emily Keilen's seven kills tallied a season-high for the senior, as she recorded an additional five digs and a service ace on the day

-- Freshman hitter Brittany Wood made her first appearance of her career for the Spartans, gathering a kill, an assist and a block

Up Next
-- The Spartans wrap up the Maverick Classic with a doubleheader against Incarnate Word and UT-Arlington on Saturday, matching up with the Cardinals and Mavs at noon and 7:30 PM respectively.

UNCG Volleyball is celebrating 50 years of wonderful memories dedicated to celebrating current and former student-athletes, coaches and staff who have made an impact on our family. The program will be hosting a special celebration the weekend of Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 18. 

For more information and a schedule of events, click here.

-- UNCG –