Asheville NC, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The UNC Asheville volleyball team is set to host two important matches at the Justice Center, promoting fan engagement with themed nights this weekend. The Bulldogs will face High Point on October 17, encouraging supporters to wear black for ‘dark mode.’ On October 18, they host Radford for a ‘dig pink’ game in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Both events also feature incentives for students, making for an exciting weekend of volleyball.
UNC Asheville Volleyball Hosts High Point and Radford with Team Promotions This Weekend
Asheville, NC – The UNC Asheville volleyball team will host two significant matches this weekend at the Justice Center, with promotions aimed at engaging fans and supporting vital causes. The Bulldogs will face High Point on Friday, October 17, and Radford on Saturday, October 18.
Friday’s match against High Point is themed “dark mode,” enticing fans to wear black Asheville attire to show support. On Saturday, the Bulldogs will host their “dig pink” game to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, urging attendees to wear pink. In a fun incentive for students, those who scan their Rocky Card upon entering can enter a drawing for a chance to win a TV.
High Point comes into the match with a record of 7-8 overall and 4-1 in league play. Their recent form has seen them win the last two matches against Charleston Southern and Presbyterian in straight and four sets, respectively. The Panthers currently rank second in the Big South Conference for blocks per set at 2.23, and they are third in kills per set with an average of 12.24. Their hitting percentage stands at .204, also third in the conference.
Noteworthy player Maya Bukovcan received the distinction of Big South Co-Freshman of the Week on October 15. She leads her team with 73 blocks and is second in the conference for blocks per set at 1.26, along with an impressive hitting percentage of .383. Last weekend, she recorded 17 kills, five blocks, and two aces.
Radford enters the weekend with a 7-12 overall record, including 3-2 in Big South play, having secured victory in the last two matches against Presbyterian and Charleston Southern. The Highlanders are ranked third in total blocks with 144 and fourth in total service aces with 105 in the Big South. Sierra Moore leads Radford with 24 service aces this season. Olivia Ryno is the standout in kills for the Highlanders, tallying 143 this season, putting her eighth in the conference, and recording 11 and 10 kills in her last two games.
Last weekend, UNC Asheville recorded a mixed result with a victory against Gardner-Webb in three sets and a loss to Winthrop in three sets. They amassed a total of 40 kills, eight aces, and 11 blocks against Gardner-Webb, with Kylie Cackovic leading the effort with 13 kills and 12 digs. Cackovic had a total of 21 kills and 19 digs over the weekend. Setter Payton Rolfsen contributed by accumulating 46 assists and 10 digs, while libero Michelle Thao had 37 digs and six assists. Additionally, Albertine van der Groot anchored the defense with seven blocks.
Currently, UNC Asheville tops the Big South in total blocks, reaching 164 and averaging 2.41 blocks per set. Michelle Thao is second in digs per set, averaging 5.12, while Kylie Cackovic holds the fourth position in kills with a total of 212. Ana Djuorvic ranks fourth in the conference for aces per set at 0.34.
Fans wishing to keep up with the Bulldogs can follow Asheville volleyball on social media platform 𝕩. The presenting partner for Women’s Athletics is First Bank, which operates 118 branches in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Key Match Details
- High Point vs. UNC Asheville
- Date: October 17
- Themed Night: Dark mode, wear black
- Radford vs. UNC Asheville
- Date: October 18
- Themed Night: Dig Pink, wear pink
Current Standings and Statistics
| Team | Overall Record | Big South Record | Rank in Blocks | Rank in Kills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Point | 7-8 | 4-1 | 2nd | 3rd |
| Radford | 7-12 | 3-2 | 3rd | – |
| UNC Asheville | – | – | 1st | – |
FAQ
What are the dates and themes for UNC Asheville volleyball matches this weekend?
The UNC Asheville volleyball team will host High Point on Friday, October 17, themed “dark mode,” encouraging fans to wear black Asheville attire. Radford will visit on Saturday, October 18, for Asheville’s “dig pink” game, promoting Breast Cancer Awareness, encouraging fans to wear pink.
What are the records of High Point and Radford?
High Point has a record of 7-8 overall and 4-1 in league play, while Radford holds a record of 7-12 overall and 3-2 in Big South play.
How can students participate in the games?
Students attending the matches can scan their Rocky Card upon entry to be entered for a chance to win a TV.
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Michelle Thao Named Libero of the Week
Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville: Volleyball Hosts High Point and Radford
- High Point: Bukovcan Earns Co-Freshman of the Week Honor
- Blue Hose: Rally Comes Up Short Against High Point
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Britannica: Volleyball Overview
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.
