GREENSBORO, N.C. – During the 2019 season, the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) volleyball team played two matches that went five sets. Already, three games into their 2021 season, the Spartans have gone the distance in each outing, falling 3-2 in all of them.
The latest setback was to visiting Mercer, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22, 22-25, 15-6, Sunday afternoon in Fleming Gym. It was a bitter end to a festive home opener that started with UNCG's three seniors (
Maria Esch,
Giana Rasmussen, and
Holly Behrends) being feted for their contributions during their careers.
Inside the Numbers
- UNCG got a sterling performance from Esch, who notched her third double-double this season with 12 kills and 17 digs.
- Jenna Wiggs had five service aces, the second most by a Southern Conference player this season.
- Wiggs complemented her effort with nine digs.
- Grey Breen delivered nine kills on 23 swings for a .261 hitting percentage.
- Mandy Garvens added 11 digs for the Spartans.
- Gabby McHugh finished with 21 assists and Haven McPeek added 11 assists.
- Mercer's balance turned the scales in its favor.
- The setting duo of Malia Randolph and Agnieska Paskevic combined for 43 assists.
- The Bear beneficiaries were Jaida Howell (13 kills), Annie Karle (12) and Brittany Major (12).
- Rayann De Oliverira added nine blocks for the Bears, who won their second consecutive match.
How It Happened
- UNCG scored the final six points of the first set to win, 25-22.
- Wiggs was the catalyst as she fueled the rally with consecutive service aces.
- UNCG had 12 kills in the first set.
- The Spartans rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win the fourth set.
- Breen's kill gave the Spartans a 6-5 lead in the fourth set.
- UNCG never trailed again in the set.
- Esch had three kills in the fourth set including consecutive ones that gave UNCG a 21-18 lead.
- Esch tied the fifth set at 2-2 with a kill.
Up Next
- UNCG and Mercer meet Monday at 5 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
