The Bulldogs return home to the Justice Center this weekend with the opportunity to capture a conference title. UNC Asheville will host Coastal Carolina at 7pm on Friday, followed by a 2pm date with Winthrop on Saturday. A victory in either match earns the Bulldogs a share of the conference title and the top seed in next weekend’s Big South tournament. Two wins (or one win and a Liberty loss) would give UNC Asheville the regular season championship.
Coastal Carolina (16-12, 9-5) handed the Bulldogs their first conference loss of the 2009 season on October 17, in a tightly contested five set match in Conway, S.C. Three Chanticleers posted double-doubles in that match. Junior Chelsy Kimes, who ranks second in the Big South in kills, was the top performer for Coastal with team-highs in kills (15) and digs (19). Classmate Amanda Russell (11 kills, 13 digs) and freshman Sierra Livesay (10 kills, 14 digs) also had big days. The Chanticleers have a variety of talented offensive players and are also one of the best in the conference in terms of blocks. Junior Megan Bickford had five blocks against the Bulldogs, in addition to 15 kills and a .324 hitting percentage, and senior Jill Nyhof ranks third in the league in blocks this season.
UNC Asheville will conclude the regular season with its Senior Day match against Winthrop (18-9, 10-4). On October 16, the Bulldogs defeated Winthrop in four sets on the road, but the Eagles are an elite team and will be prepared for the rematch. Winthrop leads the Big South in team hitting percentage and has two players among the top ten in kills – senior Kelley Taylor and junior Kaley Viola. Viola posted a double-double in the loss to Asheville with 11 kills and 11 digs. The Eagles are also have a strong setter – junior Kelsey Hall leads the conference in assists – and libero. Junior Ginnie Talley ranks among the top ten in both digs and service aces, and notched 12 digs and two aces against Asheville. Winthrop has suffered two losses in its last four outings (against Liberty and Coastal Carolina), but got back on track with a decisive three set victory over Presbyterian on Saturday.
The Bulldogs will need to be at their best to defeat two opponents of this caliber, but the team carries a great deal of momentum into the weekend. Asheville reeled off three consecutive tough road victories last week to claim first place in the Big South, and will be eager to defend that position. Following a phenomenal showing over that three match stretch, Kelsey Benorden was named National Player of the Week by the Collegiate Volleyball Update.
This is a great weekend to see high-level volleyball at the Justice Center, and the last chance to see the 2009 Bulldogs at home. Come out to support the team as they fight for a conference championship.
Go Dogs!!
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