HESSTON, KS. – The Carolina University Women's Volleyball team opened play at the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Classic on Thursday, October 8, hosted by Hesston College. The Bruins faced Fisher College and Florida College in a pair of conference matchups, finishing the opening day with a 1-1 record.
Carolina University began the afternoon with a four-set victory over Fisher College before falling to Florida College in straight sets during the evening session. The Bruins concluded the day with a 12-12 overall record heading into the second day of competition.
Match One: Carolina University Defeats Fisher College, 3-1
Set Scores: 25-16, 25-14, 26-28, 25-17
The Bruins opened the CAC Classic with an impressive offensive performance, defeating Fisher College in four sets to secure their 12th victory of the season.
Carolina University established control early, taking the opening set 25-16 behind an efficient offensive attack. The Bruins continued their momentum into the second set, cruising to a 25-14 victory to take a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Fisher College refused to go away quietly, battling through a tightly contested third set. With 11 ties and three lead changes, the Falcons edged the Bruins 28-26 to extend the match.
Carolina University responded in the fourth set with its strongest offensive performance of the afternoon. The Bruins recorded 15 kills while committing just one attacking error, producing an outstanding .452 hitting percentage to close out the match 25-17.
The Bruins finished the contest with 53 kills, just 10 attacking errors, and a .301 team hitting percentage. Carolina University also collected 77 digs, nine service aces, and seven total team blocks.
Statistical Leaders:
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SarahElizabeth Samuels: 10 kills, two solo blocks, and two block assists.
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Britney Comolli: Nine kills, a .348 hitting percentage, and three block assists.
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Corinne Cutter: Seven kills on 13 attempts with no errors, finishing with a team-best .538 hitting percentage.
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Charlee Hale: Match-high 24 digs.
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Syvannah Poore: 17 assists and three service aces.
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Martina Rivolta: 14 assists and three service aces.
Carolina University's balanced offensive attack and defensive effort proved to be the difference as the Bruins earned a strong opening victory at the CAC Classic.
Match Two: Carolina University Falls to Florida College, 3-0
Set Scores: 15-25, 20-25, 20-25
Following their afternoon victory, the Bruins returned to the court for an evening matchup against Florida College, which entered the contest with a 15-5 record.
Carolina University struggled to establish the same offensive rhythm displayed earlier in the day, falling in three sets to the Falcons.
Florida College came out strong in the opening set, recording 17 kills and hitting .455 to claim a 25-15 victory.
The Bruins showed improvement in the second set, competing in a closely contested frame that featured seven ties and five lead changes. Despite the improved effort, Florida College pulled away late to secure a 25-20 win and take a 2-0 advantage.
Carolina University continued battling in the third set, but Florida College maintained its offensive pressure and closed out the match with another 25-20 victory.
The Bruins finished the contest with 26 kills, 42 digs, and eight total team blocks. Florida College recorded 45 kills and a .205 hitting percentage while limiting Carolina University to a .137 hitting percentage.
Statistical Leaders:
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Madison Kilgore: Team-high eight kills, a .250 hitting percentage, and two block assists.
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SarahElizabeth Samuels: Five kills and one block assist.
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Rachel Powell: Three kills, one solo block, and four block assists.
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Corinne Cutter: Three kills and a team-high five block assists.
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Charlee Hale: Team-high 12 digs.
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Syvannah Poore: Team-high 11 assists and seven digs.
Despite the setback, the Bruins demonstrated resilience throughout the evening contest and will look to build on the positives from their opening-day performances.
Head Coach Chelsea Jones on Day One
"I thought we came out with great energy and execution in our first match against Fisher. We were efficient offensively, played well defensively, and did a good job responding after dropping the third set. Against Florida College, we faced a strong opponent and struggled to find that same consistency. These are the types of matches that help us grow as a team. We have to learn from both performances, make the necessary adjustments, and come back ready to compete tomorrow."
Up Next: Day Two of the CAC Classic
Carolina University (12-12) will return to action on Friday, October 9, for the second day of the CAC Classic in Hesston, Kansas.
The Bruins will face tournament host Hesston College at 4:00 p.m. EST before concluding the day against Haskell Indian Nations University at 8:00 p.m. EST.
