The Ave Maria Volleyball team achieved a strong start to its season by winning both matches during the opening day of the Carolina Classic. The day began with a decisive three-set victory over Spartanburg Methodist Pioneers, followed by a thrilling five-set win against the Carolina Bruins. In the first match, Ave Maria dominated with a score of 25-18, 25-17, 25-16, maintaining control throughout. They then faced a tougher battle in the second match, winning 25-18, 20-25, 25-15, 25-19, 15-11, showcasing resilience and teamwork.

By the Numbers
  • Ave Maria recorded 32 total kills in the first match, with Greta Heiney leading with 7.
  • The team achieved 47 kills in the second match, with Emily Child contributing a career-high 19.
State of Play
  • Ave Maria starts the 2026 season 2-0, marking the first time since 2009 they've won their opening two matches.
  • This success is the inaugural milestone for new head coach John Schmidt.
What's Next

The Gyrenes will face the Bryan Lions on Saturday afternoon, with the match set for 2:30 p.m. This will be their first encounter with the Lions since 2022, and fans can watch the match live on the Carolina Bruins website.

Bottom Line

Ave Maria's strong start in the 2026 season not only reflects the team's potential but also sets an optimistic tone for upcoming matches. The early victories under a new coach signify a promising direction for the Gyrenes.