VIDEO: Skylor Weaver Interview
VIDEO: Ashley Tiernan Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – In the South Atlantic Conference quarterfinals, Carson-Newman volleyball (26-4) used late surges to defeat Newberry (14-15) in straight sets, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, Monday night inside Holt Fieldhouse.
"Newberry played very very well tonight," Carson-Newman volleyball coach Ashley Tiernan said. We knew it was going to be a tough game, whether your 1 or 4, it doesn't matter. You come into today and everyone is 0-0. It's anybody's game and match at this point, so you just have to play the best you can. Our composure has really gotten us through a lot of tough situations throughout the season, and that's what we saw tonight as well."
The opening set went back and forth. The Eagles grew their biggest lead to five points at 15-10. The Wolves charged back to cut the C-N lead to one at 18-17. C-N then went on to secure seven of the final eight points in the set to win 25-18. Five of the seven points for the Eagles were off Newberry attack errors.
The second set was like the first. Both teams battled back and forth, as once again C-N held onto a slim 17-16 advantage. Tiernan's squad scored eight of the last ten points to surge past the Wolves to take the second set 25-19.
C-N got off to a shaky start to begin the third set, surrendering the first four points. The Eagles woke up quickly and responded by scoring 20 of the next 25 points to lead 20-9. Newberry fought back, but ultimately it was not enough, as the Eagles head on for the sweep.
The Eagles have now won thirteen straight sets dating back to its match against Mars Hill on October 25th.
The win for Carson-Newman is the tenth consecutive win over Newberry. The Eagles have only dropped five sets to the Wolves during the streak.
Senior Julia Wheeler led C-N with 15 kills, with a hitting percentage of .364. She added 10 digs for her 18th double-double of the season.
Sophomore Blake Cherry also recorded a double-double, her eighth of the season. She led the team with 19 digs and had 11 kills.
Senior Abbey Hildenbrand recorded a team-high 34 assists, also notching six kills, eight digs, and four blocks.
The Eagles as a team recorded 11.5 blocks. Sophomore Emmagrace Cobb had five, while Hildenbrand and junior Skylor Weaver each had four.
The Eagles advance to the South Atlantic Conference semifinals and will face off against cross-town rival Tusculum. C-N defeated the Pioneers in both meetings this season. The Eagles won in five sets back on August 30th and won at home in four sets on October 18th.
The SAC semifinals and championship games will be played in Rock Hill, S.C. at Rock Hill Sports and Event Center, starting on Friday at 4:00 p.m. with Carson-Newman and Tusculum.
