Charlotte Volleyball Extends Winning Streak to Eight with Sweep of Ohio
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte 49ers volleyball team continued its dominant run, securing its eighth consecutive victory with a decisive 3-0 sweep of Ohio on Friday night during the Charlotte Invitational. The Niners won with set scores of 25-18, 25-16, and 26-24.
Charlotte controlled the second set, leading from start to finish. kristen Birmingham delivered six kills in the set, while Jovana Antic established a new collegiate best with eight total blocks in the match, three during the second set.
The third set proved to be the most competitive, featuring seven ties and two lead changes. Ohio built a 16-11 advantage, prompting a strategic substitution by Charlotte head coach Eddie Jenkins, bringing in Maddie Stuesser and amaya Roberson. stuesser recorded eight assists and Roberson added a kill, igniting a Charlotte rally.Despite Ohio’s resistance and a 20-14 lead, the Niners responded with a 7-1 run, tying the score at 21-20. Birmingham played a key role in the comeback, contributing three consecutive kills and a block assist with Antic. The match concluded with a kill from Jessica Ricks and an ace by Puente, sealing the victory for Charlotte.
“Maddie and Amaya came in and provided a great spark,” said Jenkins. “Lauren is playing consistently at a high level, but we sensed fatigue coming into play and made a change. Everyone on this team has stayed ready for when their moment comes.”
Birmingham recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 15 kills and 12 digs, hitting at a .469% with no attacking errors. Charlotte registered seven service aces as a team,with Nixon,Ricks,and Puente each contributing two. Jordan led all players with 14 digs, while Annika Thompson and ricks added 12 and 10 digs, respectively. Antic finished with a match-high eight total blocks,including two solo blocks. Nixon led both teams with 24 assists.
charlotte will conclude non-conference play and the Charlotte Invitational on Saturday against Maryland Eastern Shore, with first serve scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and streaming live on ESPN+.
