Chattanooga Volleyball Season Ends with Loss to Wofford
Spartanburg, S.C. โ The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) volleyball team concluded its 2024 season on Friday evening, facing off against the No. 2 seed Wofford College in a tough match that saw the Mocs defeated 3-0 in the Southern Conference quarterfinals.
The match took place in Spartanburg, a pivotal point in the Mocs’ quest for a championship as they aimed for a Cinderella story in the conference tournament. Despite a valiant effort, Chattanooga could not secure a single set against a determined Wofford team, closing out their season with a final record of 17-15.
Match Overview
The first set began with both teams exchanging points. UTC and Wofford traded leads until a critical six-point surge led Wofford to a 14-9 advantage. Head coach Julie Torbett Thomas called a timeout, hoping to regroup the team. Though UTC fought to narrow the gap, Wofford ultimately claimed the first set 25-21.
In the second set, a similar pattern emerged as both teams stayed neck-and-neck initially. However, Wofford again powered through with another six-point run, advancing to a commanding 20-12 lead. Despite their efforts, the Mocs could not recover, dropping the second set 25-16.
The final set showcased the Mocs’ fighting spirit. They rallied against the Terriers, managing to keep the score tight throughout. UTC managed to bring the score to 23-21, but Wofford pushed through to win the set 25-21, sealing the victory and sending UTC home.
Standout Players
Despite the loss, senior hitter Chardโe Vanzandt was a standout performer for UTC, putting up an impressive 16 kills, demonstrating her prowess on the court. Caiti Barthel also made a mark, leading the team with 12 digs, which was a notable achievement for her this season.
This match also marked the end of the collegiate careers for two Mocs captains, Paige Gallentine and Elaine Redman. Gallentine contributed significantly with 11 digs, while Redman orchestrated the offense with 28 assists, reflecting their leadership and dedication throughout the season.
Coaching Remarks
Following the match, Coach Torbett Thomas praised Wofford’s performance, expressing disappointment over how her team struggled with match adjustments. โFirst of all, hats off to Wofford,โ she stated. โThey played really well and had a clear understanding of our game plan.โ
Looking ahead, Torbett Thomas emphasized the importance of learning from this experience. โOur goal is to win a Southern Conference championship, and we need to take that next step,โ she remarked. โWe have to instill confidence in our young players to help get us back to that level.โ
Future Aspirations
As the season concludes, Chattanooga Volleyball reflects on a third consecutive winning season under the guidance of Torbett Thomas. The focus will now shift to developing the team and reinforcing a competitive spirit among the returning players.
Fans and supporters of the Mocs can stay updated with the team’s progress and news through their social media channels, ensuring that the journey for a conference title continues in the coming season.
