University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
6-11,3-1Big South
Gardner-Webb
8-11,1-3Big South
Bulldogs Sweep Gardner-Webb on the Road
10.10.2025 | Women's Volleyball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The UNC Asheville volleyball team picked up its first Big South Conference road win of the season on Friday (Oct. 10) as the Bulldogs swept Gardner-Webb (25-14, 25-18, 28-26) inside Paul Porter Arena.
Friday's win marks the first sweep and win over the Runnin' Bulldogs since 2021. Asheville improves to 6-11 overall and 3-1 in Big South play, while Gardner-Webb falls to 8-11 and 1-3 in league action.
UNC Asheville came out strong in the opening set, hitting an impressive .368 while holding the Runnin' Bulldogs to just 14 points. Albertine van der Goot and Kylie Cackovic combined for three quick kills to fuel Asheville's fast start.
The Bulldogs maintained control in the second set with a steady offense and strong defensive presence at the net. Asheville hit .216 in the frame, limiting Gardner-Webb to a negative hitting percentage. The two teams were locked at 13 before a GWU attack error gave Asheville the lead that would send the Bulldogs onto a 2-0 match lead. A kill from Cackovic, a service ace from Izzy Perkins, and a kill from Alison Goldberg helped cushion Asheville's lead.
Gardner-Webb challenged in the third, forcing 14 ties and four lead changes, with all four lead changes coming in the final seven rallies. Tied at 26, Asheville took advantage of back-to-back Gardner-Webb errors to secure the sweep. Avery Schwieger subbed in to serve for Asheville to help secure the game-winning points.
Cackovic led the Bulldogs with 13 kills and 12 digs, marking her fourth double-double of the season. Djurovic followed closely with nine kills and 10 digs, while van der Goot posted six kills, a solo block, and four block assists. Lydia Pate had six block assists, and Alison Goldberg had two solo blocks and two block assists. Michelle Thao led Asheville's back row with 22 digs and four service aces, and Payton Rolfsen guided the offense with 24 assists and five digs.
As a team, Asheville hit .210 on the night and dominated at the net, out-blocking Gardner-Webb 11-2 and holding a clear edge in service aces (8-3).
The Bulldogs continue their road swing on Saturday, traveling to face Winthrop at 5 p.m. in Rock Hill.
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About Women's Athletics Presenting Partner First Bank
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