By Devin McCullough
On November 16 the Braves defeated Shorter 3-1 in the second round of the Conference Carolinas Championship at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court in Pembroke, North Carolina, winning sets 25-17, 25-18, 15-25, and 25-18 to advance to Quarterfinals of the Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship. The victory ended Shorter’s season at 16-14 and elevated UNC Pembroke to 17-14 overall.
Before the Braves settled in, there was some early back-and-forth play in the first set. Savannah Whaley’s service ace sparked a run that allowed the Braves to establish a comfortable lead thanks to many mistakes made by Shorter. Tyler Patterson’s service ace closed the session, giving the Braves a comfortable 2-0 match advantage.
The Braves had to fend off new resistance. Shorter responded forcefully in the third set, capitalizing on early momentum from Caroline Sivills and Victoria Sparks to pull ahead. Despite kills from Addie Decker and McKenna Hayes, UNCP could not overcome the Hawks’ sustained pressure, falling 25-15.
In the fourth set, the Braves bounced back fast, taking a 4-0 lead thanks to Hayes and Isabella Dillman’s service ace. The Braves kept complete control even though the Hawks closed the gap with a quick run. Before Whaley scored the game-winning point at 25-18, Decker’s and Whaley’s crucial kills helped reestablish separation.
The Braves’ balanced effort featured 13 kills from Whaley, 12 from Hayes, and standout defensive work from Peduzzi and Whaley with 13 digs apiece. Patterson finished with 31 assists and three blocks, while Doile and Dillman combined for seven aces that repeatedly shifted momentum.
The Braves have now advanced Quarterfinals of the Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship, UNC Pembroke will take on #3 Emmanuel on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The game will take place within the Student Center Complex in Bristol, Tennessee.