By Devin McCullough
Friday Night: Braves Top Chowan, 3-1
At Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court on Friday night, the UNC Pembroke volleyball team defeated Chowan 3-1 (25-20, 26-24, 26-28, 25-11) to maintain their late-season winning streak. The Braves won for the third time in a row with a net percentage of.225 and ten service aces.
Savannah Whaley contributed 13 kills, McKenna Hayes contributed nine, and Abby Peduzzi led the offensive effort with 18 kills and 26 digs. Addie Decker anchored the defense at the net with six blocks, while setter Tyler Patterson paced the offense with forty assists.
The Braves won the first two sets, lost a close third frame, and then rallied to win the fourth set 25–11. Together, Peduzzi and Whaley produced a barrage of late kills to win the game and uphold UNCP’s superiority over Chowan, raising the series record to 16-2 overall.
Saturday: Braves defeat Ferrum UNC 3-1 to honor Senior Day.
Pembroke defeated Ferrum 3-1 (25-27, 27-25, 25-23, 25-13) on Senior Day at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court to wrap up their regular-season home slate in style. In the win, the Braves hit.226 and earned a season-high 15 service aces.
Whaley recorded 13 kills and 19 digs, while Peduzzi led the way once more with 18 kills and 16 digs. Patterson recorded a double-double with 31 assists and 15 digs, while Hayes added 12 kills. Emily Collings contributed four aces and sixteen assists to support a well-rounded offensive effort.
The Braves won three straight, including a commanding 25-13 victory in the fourth, after barely losing the first set. Ferrum was unable to withstand the team’s aggressive net play and good serve.
With the two wins, UNC Pembroke improved to 16-13 overall and 13-6 in Conference Carolinas competition, extending their winning run to four games. In addition, the Braves finished the regular season with a 10-4 home record. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Wilson Gymnasium on Tuesday, when UNCP will travel to play Barton in the regular-season finale in an attempt to maintain its momentum.