Match Overview

In a competitive clash this Saturday at Alley Gymnasium, Western Carolina University’s volleyball team fell short against their rivals, Furman, in straight sets—25-21, 25-19, and 25-18. This match marked the conclusion of the first half of Southern Conference play for both teams.

Standout Performances

Freshman Abbie Willis delivered a remarkable performance, achieving her season best with 10 kills, alongside a career-high four digs and two blocks. Senior Janelle Blue contributed with seven kills, five digs, and two blocks. Other notable players included junior Zoe Zudans, who recorded six kills, and freshman Tatum Sharp, who added five kills to the team’s efforts.

On the setting front, junior Katie Boney secured her eighth double-double of the season, racking up 29 assists and 10 digs. This achievement marked a milestone, as Boney surpassed 700 assists for the season. Additionally, classmate Eda Yalçinkaya led the defensive effort with 12 digs, reaching over 1,000 career digs during the match.

Furman’s Performance

Furman’s team showcased a strong performance, with Lindsay Walch leading the charge with 10 kills, complemented by four assists, four digs, and three blocks. Tennyson Gorman and Ashtan Dodson added nine and eight kills respectively, while Emily Navarro recorded 27 assists, further showcasing the Paladins’ strategic play. In defense, Ashley Stein stood out with a match-high 24 digs.

Set Breakdown

The match began with Furman taking an early lead, establishing an 8-3 run. Western Carolina responded with a 6-2 burst of their own, tightening the score in the first set. Despite efforts from Willis and her teammates, the Catamounts could not overcome the Paladins, who clinched the first set 25-21.

The second set saw Furman take a quick 9-4 advantage. Although Western Carolina managed to close the gap, Furman capitalized on a significant run to secure a 25-19 win, extending their lead in the match. In the final set, despite a late surge from WCU, it was Furman who finished strong, capping the match with a 25-18 victory.

Looking Ahead

With an overall record of 6-13 and a Southern Conference record of 2-6, Western Carolina will return to their home court for the penultimate matches of 2025. On October 23, they will host Wofford, followed by a matchup with The Citadel on October 24. Both matches are scheduled to commence at 6 p.m. at Ingles Court in the Ramsey Center.

The upcoming meeting with Wofford is themed as Purple Out & Volleywood Night, while the encounter with The Citadel will feature a HalloWHEEn theme. Fans can tune in to both events via ESPN+ (subscription required), with live statistics available on CatamountSports.com.

Follow the Catamounts

Stay updated on all happenings related to Catamount volleyball and WCU Athletics through their social media channels on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports), Instagram ( @wcu_catamounts, @catamountvb), and Twitter ( @catamounts, @catamountvb).