Asheville, NC, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The UNC Asheville volleyball team achieved a remarkable victory, overcoming Presbyterian University in a thrilling four-set match. After dropping the first set, Asheville rallied back to win three consecutive sets, securing the match with key performances from Kylie Cackovic and Addie Brookbank. The match showcased both teams’ competitive spirit, with Asheville’s record now standing at 5–11 overall and 2–1 in the Big South Conference. The team acknowledged its senior players before the match, highlighting their contributions to the program.
Asheville, N.C. – The UNC Asheville volleyball team staged an impressive comeback to defeat Presbyterian University in a thrilling match on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The victory improved Asheville’s record to 5–11 overall and 2–1 in the Big South Conference, while Presbyterian’s record dropped to 4–11 overall, remaining winless at 0–3 in the conference.
The match took place at the Justice Center, where Presbyterian initially took the lead by winning the opening set 25–17. However, Asheville responded strongly to rally back, winning the next three sets. The second set ended with Asheville narrowly winning 25–23, with Kylie Cackovic delivering the set-winning kill. Asheville continued its momentum into the third set, where they decisively won 25–15, achieving an impressive hitting percentage of .281 while holding Presbyterian to a mere .065.
The fourth set was a closely contested battle featuring eight ties and four lead changes. Asheville eventually triumphed 25–23 after breaking a tie at 22, securing the match victory.
Key contributions came from several Asheville players, with Kylie Cackovic leading the team with 13 kills and hitting .242 while also providing seven digs. Addie Brookbank contributed significantly with eight kills, five service aces, and 16 digs for a total of 13 points. Albertine van der Goot added 10 kills and three blocks with a hitting percentage of .296. Alison Goldberg made her presence felt with two solo blocks, five block assists, and seven kills in her second start of the season. Cadence Nichols marked her season debut with three block assists, a solo block, and four kills. Avery Loeback added four kills and five block assists to the team’s effort.
The setters, Payton Rolfsen and Selina Koc, played pivotal roles as well, with Rolfsen providing 24 assists and Koc contributing 20 assists. Additionally, libero Michelle Thao showcased her defensive skills with a match-high 31 digs. Overall, Asheville outdug Presbyterian 83–78, finished the match with a total of 49 kills, recorded seven aces, and achieved 11 blocks. On the contrary, Presbyterian was limited to a .094 hitting average for the match and only three blocks.
Before the match, UNC Asheville took time to honor its ten seniors: Avery Loeback, Payton Rolfsen, Michelle Thao, Kylie Cackovic, Baylor Herlehy, Katie Nichols, Sage Sutolovich, Kimerly Williams, and Selina Koc. This recognition served as a heartfelt acknowledgment of their contributions to the program.
Looking ahead, the Asheville volleyball team is preparing for road matches against Gardner-Webb and Winthrop next weekend, with their first matchup scheduled for Friday, October 10, at 6 p.m.
FAQ
What was the final score of the match between UNC Asheville and Presbyterian?
The match ended with UNC Asheville winning three sets to one over Presbyterian.
What is UNC Asheville’s current record in the Big South Conference?
UNC Asheville’s record is 2–1 in the Big South Conference.
Who were the key players for UNC Asheville during the match?
Key players included Kylie Cackovic, Addie Brookbank, Albertine van der Goot, Alison Goldberg, Cadence Nichols, Avery Loeback, and Michelle Thao.
What are the upcoming matches for UNC Asheville?
UNC Asheville is set for road matches against Gardner-Webb and Winthrop, with their first match scheduled for Friday, October 10, at 6 p.m.
Key Match Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Match Result | UNC Asheville defeated Presbyterian 3–1 |
| UNC Asheville Record | 5–11 overall, 2–1 in the Big South Conference |
| Presbyterian Record | 4–11 overall, 0–3 in the Big South Conference |
| Set Scores | 1st set: 25–17 (Presbyterian), 2nd set: 25–23, 3rd set: 25–15, 4th set: 25–23 (UNC Asheville) |
| Key Players | Kylie Cackovic, Addie Brookbank, Albertine van der Goot, Alison Goldberg, Cadence Nichols, Avery Loeback, and Michelle Thao |
| Date of Match | October 4, 2025 |
| Upcoming Matches | Against Gardner-Webb and Winthrop on October 10, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs Defeat Presbyterian
- Presbyterian Volleyball Falls to UNC Asheville
- MaxPreps: Volleyball Recap on Asheville
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Britannica: Volleyball
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.
