Bulldogs Edged in Five-Set Battle at Western Carolina

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – UNC Asheville volleyball went the distance on Tuesday night, but Western Carolina escaped with a five-set victory (25-20, 26-28, 18-25, 25-14, 15-8) inside the Liston B. Ramsey Center.

ON THE COURT

Western Carolina took the opening set 25-20, but a late set spark from the Bulldogs carried over to the second frame, to help Asheville to a 28-26 set win. It was an all-out battle with the two teams locking up 17 times and eight lead changes, but behind two kills from Addie Brookbank and a Catamount attack error, Asheville secured the match equalizer.

The Bulldogs carried momentum into the third, building an early lead and capitalizing on strong blocking at the net. Asheville posted eight blocks in the set—its best frame defensively—and claimed a 25-18 win to pull ahead 2-1. Baylor Herlehy had a solo block and four block assists.

The Catamounts responded in the fourth set, hitting .395 as a team, and forced a decisive fifth set with a 25-14 result. In the final frame, WCU jumped out early and never trailed, sealing the match 15-8.

IN THE BOX

Double-Doubles
Both Kylie Cackovic (16 kills, 11 digs) and Addie Brookbank (11 kills, 10 digs) turned in double-double performances to pace Asheville.
Balanced Attack
Baylor Herlehy posted nine kills on .333 hitting, while Albertine van der Goot added 10 kills at a .400 clip. Ana Djurovic chipped in five kills with a .278 mark.
Setting the Table
Selina Koc led the team with 28 assists and Payton Rolfsen finished with 14. Both ladies helped with defensive efforts as Rolfsen had eight digs and Koc had seven.
Defensive Effort
Libero Michelle Thao anchored the back row with a match-high 24 digs.
Net Presence
The Bulldogs finished with 15 team blocks, led by Herlehy with two solo blocks and seven block assists.

UP NEXT

The Bulldogs return to the court on Friday to compete in the Queens Fall Classic. Asheville starts the tournament against Campbell at 10 a.m., then faces The Citadel at 5 p.m. On Saturday, Asheville faces Queens at 1:30 p.m.

BULLDOGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

To stay updated with Asheville volleyball, follow the team on 𝕩.

About Women's Athletics Presenting Partner First Bank

First Bank is the banking subsidiary of First Bancorp and is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $12.4 billion. As a state-chartered community bank, First Bank operates 118 bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina. Since 1935, First Bank has taken a tailored approach to banking, combining best-in-class financial solutions, helpful local expertise, and technology to manage a home or business. First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "FBNC." Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.