UNCA Volleyball scrimmages as they gear up for their opening weekend tournament

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Jonah Levy

Outside Hitter Kylie Cackovic bounds to spike the ball.

The Bulldogs kicked off their 2023 season with an intersquad scrimmage on Tuesday night as fans got a sneak peak of the new era of UNC-Asheville Volleyball. 

“I think our team had really good energy tonight. We were really consistent, finished every set and did not have a drop in the energy. As for things that we need to work on, we have to be more aggressive on our serves, and serve receive. I think if we work on that we can definitely make history,” said Junior Outside Hitter Matilde Teixeira. 

UNCA welcomed new Head Coach Amber Haver to the staff in March after coaching five seasons at Columbia International University. During her tenure at CIU, she had a 127-71 record and won several awards for her coaching. 

“A big thing we have had an emphasis on is hard work, discipline and elevating the standard on and off the court. We’ve also worked on character and having a championship culture. The girls have been working really hard on that and I believe it is paying off,” Haver said. 

The team returned 11 players from last season and brought in 19 newcomers to their roster. Senior Captain Ona Elkins said this has increased the team’s competitiveness. 

“Having a larger team has expanded our ability to scrimmage in practices. We have been able to play competitive games against each other that will better prepare us for our season in this new era of Bulldog volleyball,” Elkins said. 

Earlier last week, the Big South released their preseason volleyball poll where the Bulldogs were picked to finish eighth in the conference. Elkins said they are looking forward to exceeding expectations. 

“I think everyone on the team is excited about being the underdogs this season and really surprising the other teams in the Big South Conference. There’s been a pretty drastic shift in team culture and mindset from last season to this season, as well as in our training, and I think that will be pretty evident from the start of our first game. We know we have a lot to prove this year and the whole team is on board with showing what Asheville volleyball can and should be,” Elkins said. 

The Bulldogs will be hosting NC Central, Alabama A&M and Maryland Eastern Shore for their opening weekend tournament this Friday and Saturday. Admission is free for students.