WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Carolina University Women's Volleyball team returned to Williams Gymnasium on Friday afternoon looking to build momentum, start a new winning streak, and move closer to the .500 mark on the season. The Bruins delivered an impressive performance, sweeping Bob Jones University in straight sets (25-23, 25-16, 25-16) to improve to 14-16 overall.
Carolina University came out determined in the opening set, battling through a tightly contested frame against Bob Jones. With both teams fighting for momentum, the Bruins remained composed in the closing moments to secure a narrow 25-23 victory and take an early 1-0 advantage.
The Bruins carried that momentum into the second set, establishing control offensively while applying pressure defensively. Carolina limited Bob Jones to a negative hitting percentage in the frame and pulled away for a convincing 25-16 victory. With a two-set advantage, the Bruins maintained their intensity in the third set, producing their highest hitting percentage of the afternoon at .222 to close out the match with another 25-16 win.
Offensively, Carolina was led by SarahElizabeth Samuels, who recorded a match-high 11 kills while hitting an impressive .333. Jordan Connolly contributed seven kills with a .313 hitting percentage, while Melia Coleman added six kills on an outstanding .417 hitting percentage. Coleman also made her presence felt defensively with two solo blocks and one block assist.
The Bruins received strong contributions throughout the lineup, with Britney Comolli and Rileigh Franklin each recording four kills, while Trista Goldsmith added three kills and a solo block.
Carolina's offensive attack was directed by Syvannah Poore and Natalia Cano, who combined for 28 assists. Syvannah Poore finished with a team-high 16 assists, while Natalia Cano contributed 12.
Defensively, Charlee Hale led the Bruins with a match-high 14 digs, followed by Madison Kilgore with nine. Carolina also received contributions from Carlota Lobete, who recorded two service aces, helping the Bruins maintain pressure throughout the afternoon.
As a team, Carolina finished with 37 kills, a .208 hitting percentage, 48 digs, and six total team blocks. The Bruins held Bob Jones to just 24 kills and a .020 hitting percentage, highlighting Carolina's strong defensive effort throughout the three-set victory.
Head Coach Chelsea Jones was pleased with her team's response and emphasized the importance of building consistency as the Bruins approach the final stretch of the season.
"I thought our team came out with great energy and determination today. We talked about the importance of getting back to playing our style of volleyball, staying disciplined, and competing together on every point. I was proud of how we responded, especially in the first set when things were tight. This is the type of performance we need to continue building on as we work toward getting back to .500 and creating momentum heading into the remainder of our season." — Head Coach Chelsea Jones
With the victory, Carolina University takes another positive step toward reaching the .500 mark while looking to establish consistency and build a new winning streak.
Up Next: Carolina University will return to the road on Tuesday, October 27, when the Bruins travel to Montreat College for a 6:30 p.m. matchup. The Bruins will look to carry Friday's momentum into another important late-season contest.
