Gardner-Webb University
13-8,4-3Big South
UNC Asheville
14-9,2-5Big South
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Asheville | 25 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 2 |
| Gardner-Webb | 21 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 15 | 3 |
Runnin' Bulldogs Complete Reverse Sweep of UNC Asheville
October 17, 2026 | Volleyball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — The Gardner-Webb volleyball team rallied from two sets down to defeat UNC Asheville, 3-2, Saturday afternoon at Paul Porter Arena. The Runnin' Bulldogs claimed the final three sets to secure a 21-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-16, 15-11 victory and earn a key Big South Conference win.
With the victory, Gardner-Webb improved to 13-8 overall and 4-3 in Big South play, while UNC Asheville fell to 14-9 overall and 2-5 in conference action.
Sarina Galyean led the Runnin' Bulldogs with 15 kills, while Caroline Franklin added 10 kills and hit .438. Milla Lugo contributed nine kills, and Samia Sayd paced the team with six total blocks. Aleina Manaois recorded 23 assists and 13 digs for a double-double, while Kiera Vazquez led the defensive effort with 15 digs. Lugo added five blocks, while Franklin contributed four.
Gardner-Webb faced an early challenge as UNC Asheville took the opening two sets, hitting .316 in the first frame and .483 in the second to build a 2-0 advantage. Rather than back down, the Runnin' Bulldogs responded with a determined third-set performance to begin their comeback.
The Bulldogs found their rhythm in the third set, edging UNC Asheville, 25-21, to cut the deficit to one. Gardner-Webb continued to build momentum in the fourth, delivering one of its strongest offensive sets of the season. The Runnin' Bulldogs recorded 14 kills without committing an attack error, hitting .636 to cruise to a 25-16 win and force a decisive fifth set.
Gardner-Webb carried that momentum into the final frame, closing out the 15-11 victory to complete the reverse sweep.
UP NEXT
- Gardner-Webb will look to carry momentum into its next matchup against North Carolina Central.
- First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Paul Porter Arena.
- It will be the second matchup this year after the Runnin' Bulldogs defeated the Eagles 3-1 on Sept. 1 in Durham.
