GREENSBORO, N.C. – Sometimes in the immediate reality of your present situation, it's hard to enjoy a big-picture view of the future and measure one's progress.
 
As long as there is a scoreboard and standings to measure performance, it will never be customary to accept falling short. The members of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) are competitive and prideful.
 
So, it is understandable the disappointment and frustration of a tough season following a 3-0 setback to Western Carolina in a Southern Conference match that was compelling and close despite the final score. The Catamounts won their fifth straight match by scores of 25-18, 25-18, and 25-20.
 
Yet, there's lots to build on moving forward for the Spartan program. Several key performers, who missed part or all this season with injuries will return to join the nucleus of underclassmen who gained significant experience this season. The Spartans are close to being a force and that has everybody excited that brighter and happier times are on the horizon.
 
Senior Maria Esch continued her strong play this season by leading UNCG with 13 kills and a .275 hitting percentage. This was the 14th match this season in which Esch had double-digits in kills. The underclassmen will honor her by continuing to showcase resilience, heart, and character. 
 
Sophomore Hannah Knier, who is second on the team in kills, added seven kills and four blocks (two solos). Sophomore Grey Breen hit a season-high .444 with five kills. Sophomore Camille Anderson has enjoyed some bright moments this season. She added five kills.
 
Notice the trend there.
 
All sophomores, who gained tremendous experience this past spring that should help them get better. Another sophomore who had some strong performances this season was Brittany Wood. So, while the overall results weren't what they had expected entering this season, the Spartans are close to a breakthrough.
 
Junior Jenna Wiggs hustled and bustled her way to a team-best 20 digs. It's the fourth time this season and second in UNCG's last three games, Wiggs finished with at least 20 digs. Junior Stephanie Meysembourg added 13 digs, her sixth double-digit dig effort this season. Junior Amanda Garvens was strong throughout the match for the Spartans with nine digs. Wiggs, Meysembourg, and Garvens earned plenty of floor burns as they dove consistently to keep balls in play.
 
Freshman Haven McPeek tied her career-high with 29 digs for the third time in the last four games. Since becoming UNCG's primary setter, McPeek has finished with at least 20 digs in five straight matches.
 
UNCG made Western Carolina earn the victory. The Spartans rattled off five straight points after a timeout in the second set to grab a 12-11 lead. In the third set, UNCG held a 16-14 advantage following a stretch of strong play.
 
Western Carolina was led by the tandem of Merry Gebel (17 kills, 12 digs) and Julia Gardon (eight kills). Hannah Price had 33 assists and Destinee Dorsey added 29 digs.