MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Chowan University volleyball team swept UNC Pembroke in straight sets, using a strong start to fuel a 3-0 victory. Midway through the opening set, senior Diana Rodriguez etched her name into the record books, becoming Chowan's all-time career digs leader. Rodriguez surpassed the previous mark of 1,818, set by Cindy Ehrich ('16). Rodriguez currently ranks third nationally in NCAA Division II digs per set (5.86 digs/set).
With the win, the Hawks improve to 4-14 overall and 3-6 in conference play, while UNC Pembroke falls to 8-7 on the season and 5-2 in league action.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 3, UNC Pembroke 0
RECORDS | Chowan (4-13, 3-6) UNC Pembroke (8-7, 5-2)
LOCATION | Murfreesboro, N.C. (Bob Burke Court)
SET SCORES
Set One – Chowan 25, UNC Pembroke 21
Set Two – Chowan 25, UNC Pembroke 22
Set Three – Chowan 25, UNC Pembroke 20
INSIDE THE BOXSCORES
Anna Holcombe powered the Hawks with a team-high nine kills, while Lyniah Lee, Gabriella Figueroa, Makeda Edwards, and Madison Henderson each contributed five. Jy'Asha Cousins added two more to round out the balanced attack. Alexandra Liggeri directed the offense with 14 assists, as Diana Rodriguez and Brooke Hart chipped in six apiece. Rodriguez also delivered a season-high five service aces, followed by Holcombe and Hart with one each.
On the defensive side, Rodriguez anchored the back row with a match-high 20 digs. Her seventh dig of the night tied the Chowan career record, and her eighth officially set the new program mark. She now has 354 digs on the season and 1,838 in her career. Supporting her efforts, Jadyn Brown added 11 digs, Liggeri tallied nine, Holcombe recorded eight, and Hart collected seven. At the net, Henderson and Figueroa each posted three blocks, while Cousins and Holcombe contributed one apiece.
The Hawks put together a complete performance both offensively and defensively, capitalizing on forward momentum while also having an answer for the Braves offensive attack to secure the sweep.
UP NEXT
Chowan will hit the road on Saturday, October 11th, for a conference matchup at Ferrum College. The game is set for a 12:00 PM start time.