University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Volleyball Hosts Western Carolina Tuesday in Home Opener
09.15.2014 | Women's Volleyball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville volleyball team has its home opener on Tuesday night when the Bulldogs host mountain rival Western Carolina at Justice Center starting at 7 p.m.
Tuesday's match can be seen for free on the Big South Network starting at 6:50 p.m. Fans can go to the multimedia link at uncabulldogs.com.
A young Bulldog (2-8) team looks forward to playing a home match after facing a tough non-conference schedule that has seen Asheville play #7 Purdue, Clemson, Georgia, N.C. State and Harvard.
The Bulldogs played last weekend at the Benson Hospitality Invitational at the University of Georgia and lost all three matches to Georgia, N.C. State and Harvard. However, Asheville played well in stretches and came close to upsetting Harvard before falling in three close sets.
“I know we lost all three matches, but we played some good volleyball this weekend,” commented fourth-year head coach Frederico Santos. “We out-blocked N.C. State and Harvard and hit better than .200 against Georgia.
“We're a young team learning how to play against a tough schedule,” admitted Santos. “Our team is making progress. We simply need to sustain it during an entire match, not just play well in stretches.”
Another challenge awaits the Bulldogs Tuesday night an improved Catamount team coming to Justice Center. WCU owns a 4-5 record on the season with impressive five-set victories over High Point and Charlotte.
“Western Carolina has a good team this season,” declared Santos. “We're glad to be at home, but we'll have to play well to a have a chance at winning.”
Sophomore outside hitter Shelby Erickson leads Asheville in kills with a 2.20 per set average. Christine Lakatos is next with a 2.14 kills average and tops the club in digs with a 2.23 mark. Sophomore blocker Madison Vaughn leads the team in blocks with 0.97 average.
