WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – After a week away from competition following the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Classic in Hesston, Kansas, the Carolina University Women's Volleyball team returned to Williams Gymnasium on Tuesday evening with an impressive performance, sweeping Warren Wilson College in straight sets (25-11, 25-18, 25-8). The victory improved the Bruins' overall record to 13-16 on the season.
Tuesday's contest also marked Carolina University's annual Dig Pink Match, held in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Bruins took the court playing for a cause greater than volleyball, helping raise awareness and show support for those affected by breast cancer throughout the month of October.
Carolina University wasted little time establishing control of the match, delivering a dominant offensive performance in the opening set. The Bruins recorded 13 kills while hitting an impressive .480 to secure a convincing 25-11 victory. Carolina continued its momentum into the second set, registering 15 kills and maintaining its offensive efficiency to claim a 25-18 win.
The Bruins saved another strong performance for the third set, overwhelming Warren Wilson with consistent offensive execution and defensive pressure. Carolina closed out the match with a commanding 25-8 victory to complete the three-set sweep.
Offensively, Carolina University was led by SarahElizabeth Samuels, who finished with a match-high 12 kills while hitting .400. Jordan Connolly added eight kills on an outstanding .500 hitting percentage, while Britney Comolli contributed seven kills and a .400 hitting percentage. The Bruins finished the evening with 41 kills and just five attacking errors on 94 attempts, producing an impressive .383 team hitting percentage.
The Bruins also received strong contributions from their setters, as Syvannah Poore recorded a team-high 19 assists, while Natalia Cano added 11 assists. Defensively, Charlee Hale led Carolina with 15 digs, followed by Madison Kilgore with 10. Carolina also recorded eight service aces and 49 digs, limiting Warren Wilson to a .010 hitting percentage.
Head Coach Chelsea Jones praised her team's performance following the week away from competition and emphasized the importance of the annual Dig Pink Match.
"I was really proud of the way our team responded after having a week off from competition. We came out focused, played with great energy, and executed at a high level on both sides of the ball. It was great to see our offense clicking and everyone contributing to the win. More importantly, our Dig Pink Match is always a special night for our program. Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to recognize those who have fought or are currently fighting this disease, and we are grateful to use the game of volleyball to help bring awareness to such an important cause," said Jones.
With the victory, Carolina University will look to build on its momentum as the Bruins continue their home stretch of the season.
Up Next: Carolina University Women's Volleyball will return to action on Friday, October 23, when the Bruins host Bob Jones University at Williams Gymnasium. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
