Following a lengthy five-week road trip, the Western Carolina University volleyball team was back in action at the Ramsey Center on Oct. 1, against Southern Conference rival, Mercer.
For the Catamounts, coaches and players were elated to return home, after traveling as far as Phoenix for their season-opening tournaments.
Their match against Mercer would also mark the first athletic event held in the Ramsey Center with full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Only student-athlete families were allowed to attend events in 2020, with two tickets under each player’s name.
“Our fans are so great and I am so glad we were able to have them back in the stands,” WCU head coach, Karen Glover said, following Friday’s match.
In addition to hosting fans from across Catamount Country, Western was seeking revenge on a talented Bears squad, who entered at a record of 5-8 (1-1). Their most recent match with Mercer came on April 2 in the conference semifinal game, losing by a score of 3-2.
A home-opening win would put a statement on the Catamounts’ third conference game of the season.
The first set of the match resulted in a competitive Western victory, 25-23, with multiple lead changes and ties.
Senior setter, Sydney Carlson, said that she and her teammates were confident in their opening set play.
“Early on, we had our middles more involved in the game, which I think worked well because the blockers weren’t camping out on our outsides,” Carlson said.
In the second set, a resurgence by the Bears’ offense highlighted their 25-16 win, tying the match at 1.
“As the game went on, our serve-receive passing broke down a bit, which stopped us from being able to run our middles,” Carlson said.
At a set-point in the third set, WCU was unable to gain a 25th point, resulting in a comeback win for Mercer, 26-24.
The Bears were one set away from leaving Cullowhee with a win. This accomplishment was only achieved once by Wofford in the spring 2021 season.
With momentum on their side, Mercer was able to string together an impressive fourth set win, 25-16, defeating the Catamounts, 3-1.
Following the match, Coach Glover said that Friday’s loss was uncharacteristic of the team.
“We just need to focus on our execution and pushing through those tough points,” Glover said.
The loss for the Catamounts puts their record at 6-8 (2-1), while Mercer improves to a similar 6-8 (2-1).
Western will look towards Saturday’s home game against the Samford Bulldogs at the Ramsey Center. The opening set is slated for 6 p.m. and admission is free for everyone.
