GREENVILLE, S.C. – Sooner or later, the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) volleyball team knew its breakthrough would occur.
 
The Spartans had been battling hard, competing with passion, and displaying plenty of grit even though they hadn't received the ultimate reward.
 
That changed Sunday afternoon.
 
UNCG showcased its trademark resilience in overcoming a rough first set and a deficit after three sets to edge Furman, 3-2, in a Southern Conference thriller at Alley Gym. After dropping the first set, 25-11, the Spartans stormed back to capture the match, 25-20, 18-25, 25-23, 15-13.
 
In earning their first victory of the season, the Spartans used a balance performance highlighted by senior Maria Esch's 16 kills and 12 digs. Continuing her solid play, sophomore Brittany Wood registered a career-best 11 kills. Hannah Knier finished with 10 kills for the Spartans.
 
"We started out a little rocky, but I think that our drive and perseverance are really what helped us get the W today," Esch said. "I'm lucky to have a team that keeps pushing when things get tough."
 
Mandy Garvens fueled a solid UNCG defensive effort by tying her career-high with 26 digs and seven kills. Also finishing with double-digit digs were Jenna Wiggs (14) and Stephanie Meysembourg (11).
 
Setter Gabby McHugh complemented her 47 assists with seven kills.
 
Trailing 5-4 in the fifth set, UNCG scored four of the next five points. With the score tied at 13 in the fifth set, the Spartans remained steady and poised to take the next two points to enjoy the well-earned and hard-fought victory.
 
"I'm very proud of how our team finished the match," UNCG head coach Corey Carlin said.  "We dug ourselves a hole early after a bad first set.  After we refocused, the message was to 'stay assertive' and we did that. We've been so close in our other five set losses that we know our record alone doesn't tell the whole story. 
 
"We've definitely had more than our share of weird circumstances and adversity this season so it's very satisfying to get a win against a quality opponent on the road.  Today was a great step forward for this team."
 
UNCG will look to complete the sweep when it plays Furman Monday at 6 p.m. That match will be televised live on ESPN+.