Asheville, NC, August 31, 2025
News Summary
The UNC Asheville volleyball team faced a tough start to their season, losing both matches at the Crimson Tide Invitational against Alabama and UAB. Despite strong performances from players like Kylie Cackovic and Baylor Herlehy, the Bulldogs could not secure a win. They showed promise in some sets but ultimately fell short in both matches, with upcoming competition against Jacksonville ahead.
Asheville, NC – The UNC Asheville volleyball team began its 2025 season with a challenging start, losing both matches during the Crimson Tide Invitational on August 29. Their opening matches were against the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), both of which they lost in three sets.
In the first match against Alabama, Asheville fell short with set scores of 20-25, 24-26, and 20-25. The Bulldogs showed promise in the initial sets, tying the first with six ties and experiencing three lead changes. Early in the first set, they secured a lead thanks to a solo block from Baylor Herlehy, which helped them gain a brief edge at 14-12, following a 5-0 run. However, Alabama regained momentum to finish the set strong.
The second set started optimistically for Asheville, leading 6-2, prompting an Alabama timeout. Payton Rolfsen emerged as a standout, leading the match with three service aces, contributing to Asheville’s temporary lead of 20-12. Despite a spirited effort, Alabama rallied back, winning the set by two points.
In the final set, Alabama quickly established an 8-1 lead. Asheville managed to tie the score at 15 and 18 points but could not maintain the momentum, ultimately losing the set 25-20. Kylie Cackovic was a key performer for Asheville with eight kills, six digs, and one ace, while Baylor Herlehy added six kills with a hitting percentage of .357. Selina Koç facilitated the offense with nine assists and supported defensively with six digs, alongside Michelle Thao, who led with eight digs.
Ashely faced another setback in their second match against UAB, finishing with set scores of 20-25, 17-25, and 27-29. Freshman Addie Brookbank scored the Bulldogs’ first point against UAB, helping to tie the first set early. Yet, UAB quickly seized control to secure the lead.
In the second set, Albertine van der Goot’s kill was answered by a decisive 4-0 run from UAB, which allowed them to lead throughout the remainder of the set. The third set showcased a fierce effort from Asheville, who initially led with a score of 15-8. However, UAB managed to tie the score at 19 before ultimately defeating Asheville with two points in succession, ending the match.
Albertine van der Goot led Asheville with nine kills and four block assists, followed by Cackovic, who added seven kills. The defensive efforts were spearheaded by Michelle Thao, who accumulated 13 digs. Selina Koç topped the charts with 17 assists, while Payton Rolfsen contributed eight assists and six digs.
With these two matches concluded at the Crimson Tide Invitational, the Bulldogs are set to compete against Jacksonville on August 30 at 1:30 p.m. EST. This upcoming match represents their first faceoff against Jacksonville since 2014. UNC Asheville entered the preseason ranked fourth in the Big South poll and has had a storied history with UAB, as they previously held a 3-1 record over Asheville, with the latter’s only victory dating back to 1995.
Key Performers
- Kylie Cackovic: 8 kills, 6 digs against Alabama
- Baylor Herlehy: 6 kills, .357 hitting percentage against Alabama
- Selina Koç: 9 assists against Alabama
- Albertine van der Goot: 9 kills, 4 block assists against UAB
- Michelle Thao: 13 digs against UAB
- Payton Rolfsen: 3 aces against Alabama
Upcoming Matches
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back in their next contest against Jacksonville, keen to secure their first victory of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did UNC Asheville volleyball play in their season opener?
UNC Asheville volleyball played against the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in their season opener.
What were the scores of the matches played by UNC Asheville?
UNC Asheville lost to Alabama 20-25, 24-26, and 20-25 and then lost to UAB with scores of 20-25, 17-25, and 27-29.
Statistical Summary
| Match | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vs Alabama | 20-25 | 24-26 | 20-25 |
| Vs UAB | 20-25 | 17-25 | 27-29 |
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Volleyball Falls to Jacksonville
- Alabama Volleyball Opens Season with Wins
- UNC Asheville Faces Tough Competition at Crimson Tide Invitational
- Upstate Volleyball Sweeps Rivalry Series
- Google Search: UNC Asheville Volleyball
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
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