By Daniel Johnson, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov. 5, 2014

Heading into Homecoming weekend, the Spartans’ volleyball team had won three straight games, which most notability included a victory against Southern Conference leader at the time, Samford. This weekend saw UNCG face off against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers and Furman Paladins. Each team had defeated the Spartans earlier this month so vengeance was on the minds of the Spartan players. Both games ended in straight sets. While the Spartans won handily last Friday, the Paladins swept through UNCG Saturday night, spoiling the team’s homecoming.   

Game 1: UNCG vs. ETSU

From the opening set of the match, the Spartans jumped all over the Buccaneers. In the first set, the Spartans shot .406 and won the set 25-16. The next set saw the Spartans completely dominate ESTU in hit percentage (.182 to .029). Despite this dominance, the set was still close with six lead changes until the Blue and Gold finally took the set, 25-20. The Spartans closed out the match with a 25-19 set victory. The match saw two Spartan players achieve double-doubles. Sara Hohman tied the team high with 13 digs along with 35 assists. Freshman Ashley Muench achieved the other double-double as the SoCon Freshman of the week finished with 13 digs and 10 kills.

Game 2: UNCG vs. Furman

The first set to this game could not be more different than the previous game if it tried. Not only did the Paladins’ more than doubled the Spartans’ hit percentage (.174 to .400), but also the Spartans seemed flat, and made uncharacteristic mistakes. Coach Carlin spoke about the first set following the match.

“We did not come out ready to go. Credit Furman, and a great coaching job of getting their team fired up” Carlin said. “It took us a set to recover, credit Furman for a great coaching job.”

When Furman jumped out to a 15-8 lead in the second set, a timeout by UNCG had me wondering. Lacking the usually strong play that has been Spartan volleyball this year, my mind started became preoccupied with other things. One thought included wondering if I could make it to the cafeteria before it closed, since the excitement that is normally UNCG volleyball had not been shown yet.

However, I quickly regained my thoughts following Carlin’s huddle. Out the timeout, a whole new Spartan team arrived and they battled back before falling 25-21. Carlin talks about what was discussed during the break.

“We just challenged our kids to compete. Furman came out at a higher place and really aggressive, putting us on our heels during the 1st and early 2nd set” Carlin said. “We challenged them to rise to the occasion, play great defense, and if it takes 7 or 8 rallies for a point, it does not matter. We are not afraid to go toe-to-toe.”

Coming out of halftime and into the third set, it was the most competitive the team played. Obviously, the momentum from the end of the second set and whatever Coach Carlin said at halftime carried over.

“Anytime you are in front of a great crowd at home, against a quality team, your first theme is to compete and go toe-to-toe with these guys” Carlin said regarding what was discussed in the locker room during intermission.

Still, the result was the same, UNCG lost the set and match 25-21. Vicky Harley and Kelsey Sidney led the team with 8 kills, while Jessica Brezwyn contributed with 6 kills and 8 digs.

After the game, Carlin discussed the impact on the weekend’s matches.

“It puts us in a position where the third seed is not guaranteed” Carlin addressed. “If we would have won tonight, and kept winning, than we would have controlled the third seed, now it is a little outside our control”.

The Spartans play three times this week. The Spartans will travel to Wofford to battle on Wednesday then return home to host Mercer and Chattanooga on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively.