CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) volleyball team continues to make itself comfortable in opposing arenas.
The red-hot Spartans remained perfect on the road in 2021 by subduing Western Carolina behind a balanced attack, 3-1, on Ingles Court inside the Ramsey Center Wednesday in a spirited Southern Conference match.
In extending their winning streak to three and simultaneously terminating a six-match skid against Western Carolina, the Spartans captured the match by scores of 25-22, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21.
During a difficult spring campaign that in many ways laid the foundation for the success the Spartans are enjoying now, opponents looked forward to seeing UNCG walk into their facilities. Not anymore.
That's 9-0 away from the Gate City this season in true road matches, a sign of a mature squad that remains poised under pressure and believes in each other through tough times. Winning on the road builds character and strengthens confidence. Already having increased its win total by 15 (and counting) from the spring, UNCG is one of the best stories in all of NCAA Division I volleyball this season. The best part is the book on this year is from finished.
More importantly, the victory enabled the Spartans to keep pace with Mercer for first-place in the SoCon as the first-half nears its completion. Proving that preseason predictions are as meaningful as a $3 bill; the motivated Spartans raised their overall record to 17-3 and conference mark to 6-1.
Quotable
Corey Carlin's Course of Thought on the victory.
"This was a challenging environment for our team to play in tonight. We responded well and made plays late in the match that allowed us to keep the pressure on them, and that was huge. Getting road wins in this league are always a challenge. I'm proud of how we fought to earn this one. Now, we'll turn our attention to prepping for a good Citadel team."
Senior Jenna Wiggs on playing on the road and remaining united during adversity.
"We trust each other. We know we are going to struggle at times, but we have each other's back. We know this is our year to do big things and we have to remain focused even on the road in tough matches."
How It Happened
- Kayla White (22 kills, 18 digs) and Brittany Wood (15 kills) were beasts for the Spartans.
- They were too much for the Catamounts to handle as Wood had a .293 hitting percentage and White had a .283 hitting percentage.
- Wiggs led a dynamite UNCG defensive performance with 20 digs.
- Also recording double-digit digs for UNCG were Stephanie Meysembourg (15) and Amanda Garvens (13).
- In the middle of all the action was the best setter in the SoCon, Gabriela McHugh, directing the Spartan show with 48 assists, nine digs, and five kills.
- White had eight kills in the opening set to lead UNCG.
- Even though they dropped the second set, the Spartans – behind Wood's seven kills – found their groove that ultimately helped them control the final two sets.
- During the third set, McHugh showcased her versatility during a run that enabled the Spartans to grab control.
- She had a kill and a block that led to a 15-10 advantage in the third set.
- UNCG fell behind 4-2 in the fourth set before scoring eight of the next nine points to open a 10-5 lead.
- Western Carolina closed to within two, 22-20.
- After a Spartan timeout, the Spartans regained control thanks to a timely Taylor Robertson kill.
- White closed the match with consecutive kills to help UNCG enjoy another happy ride home.
Inside the Numbers
- White recorded her 12th double-double of the season.
- This was White's 11th consecutive match with double-digit kills.
- This was the sixth match this season in which Wood had double-digit kills.
- In their last two matches, White and Wood have combined for 80 kills.
- This was the 27th time in her UNCG career that Wiggs finished with double-digit digs.
- This was the fifth time this season and second consecutive contest in which Wiggs had at least 20 digs.
- The 17 victories are the most for UNCG since the 2017 squad won 19 matches.
- Five of UNCG's conference victories have been on the road.
Up Next
- UNCG starts a three-match homestand by hosting The Citadel Friday at 6 p.m. It will be the Spartans' annual Dig Pink match.
