Cullowhee, N.C., September 10, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling five-set volleyball match, Western Carolina defeated UNC Asheville with scores of 25-20, 26-28, 18-25, 25-14, and 15-8. The teams showcased intense competition, leading to a decisive fifth set where Western Carolina emerged victorious. Notable performances included double-doubles from Kylie Cackovic and Addie Brookbank, highlighting the players’ contributions. UNC Asheville now has a season record of 1-6 and will compete in the upcoming Queens Fall Classic.
Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina Edges UNC Asheville in Thrilling Five-Set Volleyball Match
On September 9, 2025, Western Carolina University secured a hard-fought victory against UNC Asheville in an exhilarating five-set volleyball match held at the Liston B. Ramsey Center. The match concluded with scores of 25-20, 26-28, 18-25, 25-14, and 15-8, marking a tough challenge for both teams.
Western Carolina started strong, taking the first set 25-20, but UNC Asheville responded aggressively in the second set. They battled through a highly competitive set, featuring 17 ties and eight lead changes, ultimately edging Western Carolina 28-26. A key contribution came from Addie Brookbank of Asheville, who tallied two crucial kills during critical moments, coupled with a Catamount error that helped level the match.
The momentum swung again in UNC Asheville’s favor as they showcased exceptional defensive play in the third set. They secured an impressive 25-18 victory, highlighted by a total of eight blocks. Baylor Herlehy stood out defensively with a solo block and four block assists, significantly contributing to Asheville’s performance.
However, Western Carolina bounced back dramatically in the fourth set, dominating their opponents with a remarkable team hitting percentage of .395 and winning 25-14 to force a decisive fifth set. In this final set, Western Carolina maintained their early lead and clinched the match 15-8, highlighting their resilience and determination.
Key individual performances included UNC Asheville’s Kylie Cackovic, who achieved a double-double with 16 kills and 11 digs, and Addie Brookbank, who also posted a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs. Asheville’s Baylor Herlehy tallied nine kills with a .333 hitting percentage, while Albertine van der Goot contributed ten kills at a .400 hitting percentage. Selina Koc led the team with 28 assists, and Payton Rolfsen added 14 assists alongside 8 digs. Libero Michelle Thao excelled defensively with a remarkable 24 digs, while the Bulldogs collectively totaled 15 blocks.
Following the match, UNC Asheville’s record stands at 1-6 for the season. The Bulldogs are set to participate in the Queens Fall Classic on September 12, where they will face Campbell at 10 a.m. and then take on The Citadel at 5 p.m., concluding with a match against Queens at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Match Summary
| Set | Score |
|---|---|
| 1 | Western Carolina 25 – UNC Asheville 20 |
| 2 | Western Carolina 26 – UNC Asheville 28 |
| 3 | Western Carolina 18 – UNC Asheville 25 |
| 4 | Western Carolina 25 – UNC Asheville 14 |
| 5 | Western Carolina 15 – UNC Asheville 8 |
Key Performers
| Player | Kills | Digs | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kylie Cackovic | 16 | 11 | – |
| Addie Brookbank | 11 | 10 | – |
| Baylor Herlehy | 9 | – | – |
| Albertine van der Goot | 10 | – | – |
| Selina Koc | – | – | 28 |
| Payton Rolfsen | – | 8 | 14 |
| Michelle Thao | – | 24 | – |
Upcoming Matches
- September 12: vs Campbell at 10 a.m.
- September 12: vs The Citadel at 5 p.m.
- September 13: vs Queens at 1:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the final score of the match between Western Carolina and UNC Asheville?
- The final score was Western Carolina 3, UNC Asheville 2.
- How did UNC Asheville perform during the match?
- UNC Asheville had notable performances, including Kylie Cackovic and Addie Brookbank achieving double-doubles, contributing significantly to the match effort.
- When is UNC Asheville’s next match?
- UNC Asheville’s next match is scheduled for September 12 as part of the Queens Fall Classic.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Asheville to Host North Carolina Awards Ceremony
Asheville Advances Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs – Volleyball Edged in Five Set Battle
- Catamount Sports – Volleyball Hosts UNC Asheville
- Bradley Braves – Braves Head to Asheville
- Catamount Sports – Volleyball Drops Opener
- Google Search: Volleyball News
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
