| Who |
Mercer (2-5, 1-1) at UNCG (0-2, 0-2) |
| When |
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, 5:00 p.m. |
| Where |
Fleming Gymnasium -- Greensboro, N.C. |
| Series History/Streak |
UNCG leads 10-4 / UNCG W2 |
| Last Meeting |
UNCG 3, Chattanooga 1 (Nov. 9, 2019) |
| Watch |
ESPN+ Sunday / Monday |
| Live Stats |
SUNDAY / MONDAY |
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Forget the Super Bowl. The most important event on the sports calendar is the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) volleyball team's home opener against Mercer in a Southern Conference match.
The start time of the match has been adjusted and will begin at 4 p.m. Monday's contest is still scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
UNCG will cherish the opportunity it has to compete in the friendly confines of Fleming Gymnasium. The pregame routines of serving, stretching, and jumping will have added significance for the Spartans, who have won five of the last six meetings against Mercer.
The Spartans will also recognize the outstanding careers of
Giana Rasmussen,
Holly Behrends, and
Maria Esch prior to the start of the match against Mercer. The seasoned triumvirate have distinguished themselves during their time in Greensboro. As freshmen, they were members of the squad that participated in the postseason National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) Tournament.
Of course, once the accolades are announced, senior gifts have been presented, and tears subside, the Spartans will focus on slowing down a Mercer squad entering this contest fresh off of a 3-1 victory over SoCon preseason favorite Samford in its last outing.
Esch led the Spartans in two matches last weekend at Chattanooga, posting double-doubles to increase her career total to 12. She enters the match with 768 career kills, a total we'll obviously keep track of all season. Esch is third in the SoCon in kills per set (3.90) and ninth in digs per set (3.20).
Esch is one of a number of talented hitters for UNCG. Sophomores
Hannah Knier and
Grey Breen are among the conference leaders in hitting percentage. Knier, who has 23 kills, is fourth in hitting percentage (.347). Meanwhile, Breen is third in blocks per set (1.10) and ninth in hitting percentage (.282). They are perfect compliments to Esch's power.
Sophomores
Brittany Wood and
Camille Anderson enjoyed some bright moments against Chattanooga and will continue to shine as the season moves forward. They duo combined for 29 kills.
In the swirl of all the fast-paced activity is sophomore
Gabriela McHugh, who is ninth in the conference in assists in per set (9.10) and fifth in digs per set (3.50). A serene setter, McHugh is 12th all-time in UNCG history with 1,263 assists. Junior
Jenna Wiggs is 10th in the SoCon in digs per set (3.10).
Quick Glance At Mercer
In its 3-1 win over Samford, the Bears were led by Rayanne de Oliveria (10 kills), Anne Karle (nine) and
Brittany Major (nine). Jaida Howell had six blocks. Malia Randolph is second in the SoCon in hitting percentage (.381). As a team, Mercer is second in the conference in hitting percentage (.229). The Bears lead the conference in service aces (42) and total blocks (41.0).
Up Next
The Spartans will spend next weekend back in the great state of Tennessee when they visit East Tennessee State for matches on Sunday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 15.
