Winston-Salem, NC -- Carolina University Women's Volleyball opened the 2020 slate on Friday, September 25th against rival Bob Jones University. The fans that were admitted to Williams Gymnasium that night were not disappointed. Carolina University treated their roaring supporters to a 3-2 victory and celebrated the program's first ever win against Bob Jones University!

Carolina University brought the crowd into the match early as they built an 11-5 lead in the first set. Bob Jones chipped away and even took a 24-23 advantage, but CU rallied and earned the first set 27-25. Set two was a back and forth battle, but CU went on a run to stretch the score to 18-13. Carolina University used that edge to take a commanding 2-0 lead headed into the third. 

Despite the deficit, Bob Jones would not go away and went on a late flurry of their own to narrowly avoid the sweep. BJU found some confidence and took the third and fourth set. The match was pulled to a 2-2 tie as the teams prepared for that fifth and final set. 

The Carolina University crowd could sense the gravity of this moment and roared back to support their team. Carolina University and Bob Jones exchanged early blows, but no one had an advantage with the score knotted at 5-5 in the final sprint to 15. Chiara Mottola rose to the occasion for CU converting 2 kills, a crucial block, and the clinching serves in the exciting 3-2 victory. When asked about the fifth set takeover, Mottola said, "I feel like I play well with that pressure and want to be in those moments to help my team win." Mottola's impact went well beyond the 6 kill, 6 block, and 3 ace stat line as she kept numerous plays alive for CU.

 After the game, Head Coach Brenn Ferguson talked about the up and down nature of this match. "We obviously played well early, but had some struggles in sets three and four. I'm so proud of our girls because they continued to lean-in and battle so that we could support them in the fifth. We had great team play and depth that allowed us to insert players for stability when we needed it. This was a big win for this program and we hope to build on it moving forward." 

Some of the contributors that Coach Ferguson spoke about were Virgillia Jones, Taylor Hicks, Maya Gray, and Kamra King. Jones provided instant offense pacing CU with 10 kills to go with her 6 blocks. Hicks was crucial in those early sets earning 9 kills and constantly applying pressure to Bob Jones' defense. Gray also earned 9 kills to start to her collegiate career. King dished out 32 assists from the setter position and constantly infused her team with energy.

Bob Jones University fell to 1-1 after the loss, but will get a chance to bounce back on Saturday, September 26th at Toccoa Falls College. Carolina University's next games will be on Friday, October 9th in Greenville, SC when they play in a tri-match hosted by Bob Jones University. CU will play BJU in the 4:00pm slot followed by Life University at 6:00pm.