Lawrence, Kansas — Carolina University Women's Volleyball opened Day 1 of the 2025 Continental Athletic Conference Tournament on Friday with a pair of challenging pool-play matchups at Haskell Indian Nations University. With a semifinal berth on the line, the Bruins met two familiar opponents in a competitive and high-intensity environment.

Match 1: #1 Florida National def. #3 Carolina University, 3–2

Scores: 23–25, 25–15, 23–25, 25–10, 15–13
 

Carolina pushed the top-seeded Conquistadors to the limit in a five-set thriller.

• SarahElizabeth Samuels led the Bruins with 15 kills and 4 digs.
   

• Karli Totel added 7 kills (.208), while Syvannah Poore anchored the offense with 25 assists, 11 digs, and 2 aces.
   

• Defensively, Kai Horta recorded 26 digs, showcasing elite back-row effort and why she was named Defender of the Year in the CAC.
   

The Bruins claimed the opening set and later took Set 3 to seize a 2–1 match advantage, but Florida National rallied in Sets 4 and 5. Despite the outcome, CU's competitiveness set an early tone for the day.

Match 2: #6 Westcliff def. #3 Carolina University, 3–0

Scores: 25–21, 25–19, 25–20
 

Facing a must-win situation to remain alive in semifinal contention, Carolina fought through long rallies and multiple tie scores but could not overcome the Warriors' offensive pressure.

• Samuels again led CU with 8 kills, while Kammi Naude contributed 5 kills (.400).
   

• Poore distributed 9 assists and added strong floor defense with 4 digs.
   

• Melia Coleman added 3.5 total points, contributing on both sides of the ball.
   

CU produced several scoring runs but could not swing momentum enough to extend the match.

Coach Jones on Performance

"This team showed grit today," said Head Coach Chelsea Jones.
"We battled the No. 1 seed point for point and kept competing through every rotation of the day. While the results weren't what we wanted, our growth, chemistry, and discipline continue to trend in the right direction. Now our focus turns fully to the NCCAA South Region, where we have an opportunity to reset, respond, and make a championship push."

Next Up: NCCAA South Region Championship

Women's Volleyball now prepares for a postseason reset as they shift focus to the NCCAA South Region Championship, where they will face Clinton College on Thursday, November 20 with a berth to Nationals on the line.