By Zack Ciboth, Sports Editor
The UNC Pembroke women’s volleyball team used a late rally to take down the Francis Marion Patriots in the quarterfinals of the Conference Carolinas Championship tournament. After dropping the first set the Braves used a three-set rally to down FMU 3-1 (18-25,25-7,25-18,25-20).
The Patriots took an early lead in the first set and managed their lead most of the way. Despite the Braves trying to cut the lead the Patriots were just too much for the Braves as they took the set 25-18. The second set was very lopsided in favor of the Braves. A fast start gave the Braves a commanding 10-2 lead and that lead built even more as the Braves took the second set 25-7.
Tied 1-1 heading into the third set, the Braves gained an early lead, but the Patriots continued to chip away and make it a close match early. The Patriots eventually took the 8-7 lead before the Braves could tie it back up. A scoring surge from the Black and Gold gave the Braves the lead as a 9-2 run helped secure the third set.
The fourth set saw another hard-fought set between both sides as the Braves were looking to close things out and the Patriots were looking to stay alive. The Patriots took the early advantage, leading 8-5 and led for most of the set until a 6-1 scoring surge started by the Braves gave UNCP the 18-14 lead. From there the Braves held off the Patriots for the win.
“They simply responded. Going down the first set sometimes can be deflating, but we were calm, we were poised, and we started the second set fast and got out to a really good lead, which gave us grace if we did make mistakes to where we weren’t playing tense and tight,” UNCP coach Jaleesa Harper said. “So, I love how we responded to get three sets in a row, complete sets, dominant sets, and I’m just happy with how we played overall.”
Vanja Przulj led the way for the Braves with 17 kills, and 15 digs. Emma Fraidenburg registered 10 kills and two blocks. Abby Peduzzi finished with 10 kills on the night. Katie Pressley had 45 assists to go with three aces and 12 digs, Kyleigh Coghlan finished with four assists and 12 digs.
Tyler Patterson had two assists and three aces. Katelynn Swain had two blocks and two aces and Ruby Countryman had two blocks to round out the scoring for the Braves.
“I think we realized that just because we’re down in one set doesn’t mean the game is over. Then we changed everything in that second set, we knew that we needed to start off stronger, we needed to change the facial expressions, energy, communicate more, and I think that really helped us a lot,” Przulj said.
The Braves advance to the semifinals of the Conference Carolinas tournament where they will face Mount Olive. First serve is set for 5 p.m. at the North Charleston Athletic Center.
“Staying confident in our ability. When you play a team three times, you know each other well. So, it’ll be adjusting and just playing really confident. We believe in each other, and tomorrow is going to be a battle. We love playing Mount Olive and they love playing us and we’re gonna be confident and hopefully that will show on the court,” Harper said.