Asheville NC, September 9, 2025
News Summary
The UNC Asheville volleyball team is preparing for an important week with four matches on the road, including a rivalry match against Western Carolina and participation in the Queens Fall Classic. After a tough showing at the Bulldog Invitational, standout players like Kylie Cackovic and Payton Rolfsen will aim to turn things around. The team is looking to improve its historical performance against Western Carolina and end its losing streak to Campbell, while also facing other challenging teams throughout the week.
Asheville Volleyball Faces Key Matches This Week
Asheville – The UNC Asheville volleyball team is gearing up for a crucial week as they prepare to compete in four matches on the road. This includes a match against rival Western Carolina on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, followed by participation in the Queens Fall Classic on September 12 and 13, 2025.
In their last outing during the Bulldog Invitational, Asheville finished with a challenging record of 1-3. Despite the overall team results, standout performances were noted, particularly from Kylie Cackovic, who led the Bulldogs with 44 kills, averaging an impressive 4.00 kills per set and achieving a .238 attack percentage. Cackovic also recorded a team-high of four service aces during the tournament.
Setting duties were primarily handled by Payton Rolfsen, who accumulated 53 assists, while Selina Koç added 46 assists. Rolfsen’s career assists surpassed the 2,000 mark, bringing her total to 2,016. On the defensive front, Michelle Thao topped the team’s digs, recording 57, while Cackovic contributed 24 digs. Baylor Herlehy was the leading blocker for Asheville with 13 total blocks.
Last year’s matchup against Western Carolina resulted in a four-set victory for the Bulldogs, marking Asheville’s first home victory against Western since 2018. However, the team is eager to end their losing streak in Cullowhee, where they have not won since 2013. Asheville holds a 26-20 series lead over Western Carolina, established since 1988.
For this upcoming match, Zoe Zudans is the standout player for Western Carolina, amassing 83 kills for the season, while Katie Boney has recorded 246 assists and seven aces. Defensively, Eda Yalcinkaya leads the team with 105 digs and Courtney Graham offers support with 28 total blocks.
Following the Western Carolina match, Asheville will take on Campbell for the first time since the Camels departed the Big South Conference. The Bulldogs currently lead the series 19-15 since 1986 but are facing an eight-game losing streak against Campbell. Maja Daca leads Asheville against Campbell with 73 kills and 17 aces this season, while Hannah Pattie contributes with 129 assists and Barbara Illig with 88 digs.
Additonally, UNC Asheville has a solid record of 7-1 against The Citadel, with their only loss occurring in 2023. For The Citadel, Savannah Freeman leads with 32 kills, Greta Pleuss excels with 50 assists, Jess Martin supports with 33 digs, and Luci Lippelgoos has contributed 15 blocks.
Lastly, the Bulldogs will face Queens, a team that previously defeated Asheville in 2022, leaving the Bulldogs 0-1 against them. Queens boasts several players performing admirably, including Emma Norris with a team-leading 73 kills and a total of 38 blocks. The setter responsibilities are shared between Tyler Peluso and Megan Kelly, who have recorded 139 and 115 assists respectively, with Kelly also leading the team in aces at eleven. On the defensive side, Tilley Collins holds a team-high of 119 digs.
UNC Asheville encourages its fans to follow the volleyball team on social media for updates and live match information as the team embarks on this competitive week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What dates will UNC Asheville volleyball play against Western Carolina?
The match against Western Carolina is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Where will the Queens Fall Classic take place?
The Queens Fall Classic will be held on September 12 and 13, 2025.
How did UNC Asheville perform in their last competition?
UNC Asheville finished with a 1-3 record during the Bulldog Invitational.
Who were the standout players for UNC Asheville in the Bulldog Invitational?
Kylie Cackovic was notable for leading the team with 44 kills, while Payton Rolfsen surpassed 2,000 career assists.
What is Asheville’s historical performance against Western Carolina?
Asheville leads the series 26-20 since 1988 and won the last matchup in four sets.
Match Details Summary
| Match | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Asheville vs. Western Carolina | September 9, 2025 | Cullowhee |
| Queens Fall Classic | September 12-13, 2025 | Queens |
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Additional Resources
- Catamount Sports: Volleyball Hosts UNC Asheville in Midweek Mountain Rivalry
- UNC Bulldogs: Volleyball Preps for Four Road Matches
- Catamount Sports: Volleyball Heads to Asheville for Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic
- Wikipedia: College Volleyball
- Google Search: UNC Asheville Volleyball
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