This is an important weekend for UNC Asheville sports, with the volleyball, men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams each participating in their final tournament of the regular season.
The volleyball team is in Orangeburg, South Carolina, for the South Carolina State Spikefest Invitational. The Bulldogs got off to a strong start earlier this afternoon, blanking Winston-Salem State 3-0 for the second time this season. Asheville (9-4) was led in the match by senior Lauren Ficker, who recorded 9 kills with a .500 hitting percentage. Freshman Chelsie Kenley contributed 8 kills, and senior Raquel Miotto had 12 digs. The Bulldogs are back in action this afternoon against Hampton (currently underway). Hampton (2-7) has lost seven consecutive matches headed into the tournament. UNC Asheville faced the Pirates last year, at the USC Upstate tournament, and came away with a 3-0 victory, but the Bulldogs will have to contend with junior standouts Brittany Wynne (56 kills, 25 digs on the season) and Aaryn Harrison (55 kills, 24 digs). On Saturday morning, Asheville will square off against Providence. The Friars (4-9) have a four-game losing streak of their own they look to shed at the tournament. Top performers for Providence include sophomore middle blocker Lauren Fletcher, whose 137 kills and .275 attack percentage are both team highs, and sophomore setter Carly Morrison (31 kills, 352 assists, 89 digs). Because the Friars have not faced Asheville (or indeed any area school) in recent years, it is difficult to set expectations for the match. The same cannot be said, however, for Saturday afternoon’s rematch against Wofford. The Terriers (9-2) are now winners of eight straight, having just defeated Providence - a mark that will likely be extended to nine this evening when they take on Winston-Salem State. Wofford defeated Asheville in a five set battle during last weekend’s Winston-Salem State Invitational. Several Terriers turned in outstanding performances during that match, including senior outside hitter Shanna Hughes (24 kills, .468 attacking, 12 digs), junior outside hitter Stacy Byrd (12 kills, 20 digs), and senior libero Sarah Palmer (25 digs). The Bulldogs are still contending with injuries to a number of key players, including junior standout Kelsey Benorden. To have a shot at avenging their loss last weekend, Asheville will need a strong showing both from veteran leaders like Ficker and Miotto and from new talents like Kenley and fellow freshman Holly Shelton.
Prediction: Asheville 3, Hampton 1; Asheville 3, Providence 2; Wofford 3, Asheville 2.
Men’s soccer will be in Nashville later this evening, to open play in the Hyatt Place Select Invitational on the campus of Lipscomb University. The Bulldogs (1-4-1) will take on Lipscomb (2-2-1) at 7:30 this evening. The Bison are a strong squad whose only losses came at the hands of national powers Michigan and Michigan State. Asheville fell to Lipscomb by a 3-1 margin in Nashville last year. The Bison’s attack is anchored by sophomore Andrew Chamberlain and redshirt junior Miguel DaSilva, each of whom scored goals against the Bulldogs last season, along with freshman Alexander Faulk, who leads the team in goals scored. At noon on Sunday, the Bulldogs will take on Belmont (0-3-1). Asheville defeated the Bruins one year ago in Steve Cornish’s 100th career win. Branden Lassen had his first career goal in the 3-2 victory, and Bryan George recorded the game-winner. Belmont’s offensive leaders this season are freshman Brandon Tarr and sophomore Edgardo Padilla, while senior midfielder Justin Ferguson provides leadership on both ends of the pitch.
Prediction: Lipscomb 2, Asheville 1; Asheville 1, Belmont 0.
Finally, women’s soccer will be in Cullowhee this weekend for the Catamount Classic Tournament. The Bulldogs (3-2-0) will face two very tough opponents, beginning with a match this evening against Elon. The Phoenix (2-2-1) have an undefeated record thus far against Big South opponents, taking out High Point and Coastal Carolina earlier in the season. Players to watch for Elon include senior Molly Calpin and freshman Ceci Jensen, who lead the team in scoring, and senior Sydney Little, who has been outstanding in goal this season (17 saves, .850 save percentage). Up next will be the tournament-hosting Lady Catamounts (2-3-1) who have played very well this season against a number of national powerhouses. Western came up one goal shy of upsetting both Tennessee and Miami, and played Dayton to a draw earlier this month. The Lady Catamounts also defeated Gardner-Webb in their only matchup against a Big South program to date. Western’s stars include Rachael Shomper and Nikki Lombardo, who lead the team in scoring, and junior goalkeeper Caitlin Williams, who has played every minute of the season, recording 29 saves with a .829 save percentage, despite the caliber of the Lady Catamounts’ opponents. The Bulldogs did not face Western last year, but lost in each of the last three matches between the two. Extending back to last season, each of the last seven games for UNC Asheville have been decided by one goal, so there is reason to expect the Bulldogs be competitive this weekend. The play of freshman Chloe McCleary-Small (3 goals, 1 assist) has been very encouraging on the offensive end. If she and the other Asheville attackers are able to find the net this weekend, the Bulldogs will be an upset threat in both matches.
Prediction: Elon 2, Asheville 1; Western Carolina 1, Asheville 0.
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