The Bulldogs have extended their win streak to 6 matches, knocking off Savannah State in only 45 minutes of work. Playing without star outside hitter Kelsey Benorden, who will sit out the Winston-Salem State Invitational Tournament due to an ankle injury, UNC Asheville (7-2) easily defeated the Tigers (2-6) in straight sets.
The Bulldogs are in for a weightier challenge this evening, however, when they take on Conference USA opponent East Carolina (3-4). The Pirates finished near the bottom of the conference last season but are a dramatically improved squad, and lost only one senior. ECU’s middling record can be attributed to the strength of the schedule they have faced - the Pirates’ opponents have posted a .674 winning percentage to date. East Carolina was also a winner this afternoon, defeating tournament host Winston-Salem State in three sets. The Pirates are led by a trio of seniors - outside hitters Stephanie Turner (69 kills, 47 digs) and Melissa Zentner (58 kills, 26 digs), and setter Hannah Fenker (201 assists, 32 digs).
Asheville will then face another test tomorrow afternoon against Wofford (3-2). The Terriers are currently second place in the Southern Conference South, and already have two wins on the season against a Big South opponent (Gardner-Webb). Standout players for the Terriers include seniors Shanna Hughes (37 kills, 50 digs) and Joanna Suddath (20 kills, 131 assists, 33 digs). The Bulldogs fell to Wofford, 3-1, at last year’s USC Upstate Tournament. In that match, Hughes had 25 kills and 12 digs with a .512 hitting percentage. Suddath also played well, with 5 kills, 47 assists, and 7 digs.
Tournament play will wrap up at 4pm on Saturday with a matchup against Winston-Salem State. The Lady Rams have won only one set so far this season on their way to a 0-7 record. The host school did closely contest one set today against East Carolina, but came up just short. Top performers for Winston-Salem are senior outside hitter Annika Barnwell (48 kills, 30 digs) and junior libero Erica Cole (team-high 67 digs).
The absence of Benorden will be felt by the Bulldogs all weekend, but this is a talented UNC Asheville team with good depth, and a lot of momentum. Both tonight’s match and tomorrow’s against Wofford will be battles, but if Raquel Miotto, Lauren Ficker and the rest of the Bulldogs are able to maintain their high level of play, Asheville has a good chance to come out on top.
Predictions: Asheville 3, East Carolina 2; Asheville 3, Wofford 2; Asheville 3, Winston-Salem State 0; Raquel Miotto breaks the UNC Asheville/Big South digs record in the second set of the Winston-Salem State match.
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