The Furman women’s volleyball team went head-to-head against UNC- Greensboro at Greensboro’s home court Friday, Oct. 19.
The match went to five sets as both teams fought for victory at the Fleming Gymnasium. Alternating set victories, Furman and UNCG refused to hand the win to their opponent.
The Paladins took the first set 25-23, the third set 25-20, and the final set 16-14 while the Spartans claimed the second set 25-21 and the fourth set 25-23.
A brilliant come-from-behind rally in the final set put Furman on top, capping an exciting match with a thrilling end. Furman and UNCG battled through four ties in the first set.
The Spartans led with a score of 16-10, but the Paladins rallied to claim seven of the next eight points for a 17-17 tie. Following a Spartan error and a kill from senior Chandler Ambrester, the Paladins took the lead 23-21.
UNCG struggled to tie the set 23-23, but a kill from Caroline Adams, followed by a block from Christina Curry and Adams secured the Paladins’ victory.
UNCG answered with a win in the second set as the Spartans took five of the set’s last six points for a 25-21 finish. Eight ties opened the third set before an 8-3 run by the Paladins claimed an 19-14 advantage.
The Spartans obtained three of the next four points as they tried to catch up to the Paladins, 20-17. The Paladins proceeded to pull away again with four of the next five points for a score of 24-18.
UNCG held on tight, denying Furman the match point. The Spartans recorded a kill and took advantage of a Paladin attack error. Ambrester ended the contest with a decisive kill to put Furman ahead for good in the set, 25-20.
The fourth set likewise opened with eight ties before the Paladin established an 11-9 lead. A Spartan rally produced another tie that sparked a five tie battle between the teams until a 5-0 run by UNCG gave them a 24-20 lead.
The Paladins responded with a kill and service ace by freshman Jo Wilks, followed by a block courtesy of Ambrester and Adams.
A crucial kill by the Spartans sealed the set 25-23 and forced the match into an exciting fifth set. UNCG opened the critical final set with an 8-2 lead, but the Paladins had none of it. They rallied to tie the score 10-10.
When the scores reached 14-all, Adams delivered a key solo block for match point. Adams then served a kill for the match victory and the Paladins’ sixth consecutive win.
Ambrester recorded a career-high 24 kills and 14 digs for a double-double. Wilks racked her eight double-double this season with a season-high of 14 digs and a team-high of 54 assists.
The Paladins play again Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m .against the Winthrop Eagles in Rock Hill, SC.