CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Carolina University Men's Volleyball team opened Appalachian Athletic Conference pod play this past weekend, continuing to build chemistry and experience early in the 2026 campaign. Under Head Coach Jake Boldog, the Bruins faced a challenging three-match slate against Life University on Friday before taking on Reinhardt and host Truett McConnell on Saturday. Carolina going into the weekend stood at 1-2 on the young season as the program continues to develop cohesion on the court.
vs. Life University
February 13 | Cleveland, Ga.
Carolina University opened pod play against Life University on Friday evening. The Bruins battled but fell in straight sets (10-25, 12-25, 19-25).
Despite the setback, Carolina showed flashes offensively. Fritz Hall led the Bruins with five kills, while Keona Puchalski added three kills on an efficient attacking performance. Setter Kai Jamerson facilitated the offense with 13 assists, helping Carolina improve its attacking rhythm as the match progressed. Defensively, the Bruins tallied 24 digs as they worked to slow Life's high-powered attack.
vs. Reinhardt University
February 14 | Cleveland, Ga.
Saturday morning saw the Bruins square off with nationally competitive Reinhardt University. Carolina again fought hard but dropped the match in three sets (7-25, 14-25, 21-25).
Logan Hall paced the Bruins offensively with six kills on a .500 hitting percentage, providing a bright spot in the middle. Kai Jamerson recorded 12 assists, while Fritz Hall and Sam Gruver contributed offensively at the net. Carolina showed improvement late in the third set, posting its highest point total of the match as the team continued adjusting to AAC competition.
vs. Truett McConnell
February 14 | Cleveland, Ga.
Closing the pod, Carolina faced host Truett McConnell in the afternoon match. The Bruins fell in straight sets (14-25, 14-25, 18-25).
Logan Hall once again led the offensive effort with eight kills, while Keona Puchalski and Fritz Hall each added five. The Bruins totaled 35 digs defensively, with Makoa Nichols recording a team-high presence on the back line. Carolina showed its strongest offensive output in the third set, hitting nearly .300 as the team continued to find its rhythm.
Coach's Quote
Head Coach Jake Boldog emphasized the team's continued growth through early adversity:
"This is a young group that's still learning how to compete together at the college level. Every match and every set is an opportunity for us to grow. We're focused on building consistency, communication, and confidence as the season progresses. I'm proud of the fight our guys showed this weekend, and we're looking forward to taking the next step at home."
Carolina University will return to Williams Gymnasium for its next contest, hosting Regent University on Saturday, February 21 at 3:00 PM as the Bruins look to build momentum in front of the home crowd.
