PEMBROKE, N.C.- The Shorter Volleyball team defeated Barton in four sets in the opening round of the Conference Carolinas Championship, but fell in the second match of the afternoon to UNC Pembroke in four sets to close out their 2025 campaign.
FIRST ROUND VS BARTON
Shorter got off to a quick start in the opening set, taking a 16-9 lead. The Hawks never looked back as they comfortably took the set. After several tight rallies on both sides, Barton jumped ahead in the second set, going on a 9-1 run. Shorter made a push, but came up short as the Bulldogs evened the series.
The third set was all Shorter, as they once again jumped out to a big lead, leaving no room for Barton to make a push as they took the 2-1 lead. The fourth set was a nail-biter, as neither side allowed the other to lead by more than four. The Hawks went the distance with Barton and powered through with a 28-26 win to advance to the next round.
Three Hawks recorded double-digit kills, as
Victoria Sparks (15),
Caroline Sivills (12), and
Taylor-Reese Howell (10) set the tone. Defensively,
Claudia Loyola recorded 16 digs, with
Helena Kelley adding 13 and
Brooke Thao finishing with 12.
SECOND ROUND VS UNC PEMBROKE
After a very brief resting period, the Hawks geared up to face UNC Pembroke. The first set was a tight one in the early stages, with the Braves unfortunately breaking ahead. The Hawks brought it to within two, but fell victim to a 7-1 run by the hosts as they dropped the first set. The Hawks went down early in the second set and never regained the lead as the hosts comfortably took the 2-0 lead.
Shorter's offense had a resurgence in the third set. The Braves kept it close, but the Hawks broke away on a commanding 11-3 run to make it a 2-1 score. Unfortunately for Shorter, the Braves responded with a 12-2 run to begin the fourth set. The Hawks battled back, but it would not be enough as the hosts grabbed the set, closing out the 2025 season for Shorter.
Victoria Sparks battled once again, leading the Hawks with 15 kills and 15 digs.
Brooke Thao and
Claudia Loyola helped defensively, with Thao recording 13 and Loyola with ten.
Shorter had a great showing in 2025, recording its second straight winning season. The Hawks competed well in conference action, recording a Conference Carolina's season-high 10-match win streak, and showcased their talent all season long.
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