ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. - The women's volleyball team improved to a 4-0 record after an impressive opening weekend. Charleston's early success continued as the Golden Eagles jumped out to its best start in nine seasons following a pair of wins over Molloy College and the University of New Haven. 
 
The Basics (Match One)
Location: Rockville Centre, N.Y.
Score: Charleston 3; Molloy 0
Records: UC (3-0, 0-0 MEC); MC (1-2, 0-0 ECC)
 
In a competitive match, Charleston came out on top, winning each set in six points or less. UC would take the match in straight sets as Sage Bearnson set the tempo with a solid performance and a .344 hitting percentage. 
 
Charleston got the first point on the board after an attacking error and remained dominant as the Golden Eagles' offense collected 38 kills in the match. A series of back-and-forth scoring made for a competitive match. As a team, UC hit .209 with setter Maria Hernandez racking up 30 assists. 
 
UC got off to a good start in set one as Charleston was up 9-2 and continued the momentum. Charleston took set one with a score of 25-19 after the set ended with two attacking errors from Molloy. 
 
The Lions started off strong as they had the 6-5 lead in the second set, but UC quickly adjusted and shifted the set in their favor after three attack errors by Molloy. In the set, UC recorded its highest hitting percentage of the match (.256). The set ended with a Bearnson kill to secure the 25-20 win and increase Charleston's lead to 2-0 in the match. 
 
In a tied third set, Hernandez served five straight points to bring UC up 19-14. Molloy struggled to recover from the deficit and Charleston won 25-20. 
 
The Basics (Match Two)
Location: Rockville Centre, N.Y.
Score: Charleston 3; New Haven 1
Records: UC (4-0, 0-0 MEC); UNH (2-1, 0-0 NE10)
 
In the first match ever between Charleston and the University of New Haven Chargers, UC continued their tournament success and beat the UNH 3-1 in a close match. 
 
Set one was close the entire time before Charleston went on a four-point run led by Erin Carmody, breaking the set open from 19-19 to a 23-19 lead that resulted in the Golden Eagles winning the set 25-22. 
 
With an early UC dominance in set two, the Chargers could not withstand the onslaught of Charleston's offense. UC came out strong with an eight-point serving streak from Pia Selke, who also tallied two aces during the streak. The Golden Eagles were in an early commanding position at 17-5 and continued to apply the pressure, taking set two 25-16. 
 
In the third set, the Chargers attempted to mount a comeback as they got out to a six-point lead over the Golden Eagles. New Haven maintained the lead throughout the set and UC fought back late, however, it was not enough as UNH held on and took the third set 25-23. 
 
UC came out strong in the fourth set, determined to close out the game against New Haven. With a 6-1 lead, the Golden Eagles maintained the advantage with kills from veterans Reagan Phillips and McKenzie Carpenter. Selke also added two aces in the fourth set.
 
Reagan Phillips led the Golden Eagles with 16 kills followed by Bearnson with 12. Selke had 6 aces in the match. Hernandez notched 48 assists as Carmody led the defense with 26 digs. 
 
On a perfect start to the season, Head Coach Tyler Kanelos said,
 
"We are very excited to head home 4-0 after a tremendous weekend in New York.
 
Today we were able to overcome two of the top teams in the East Region, both of whom have won their regional and advanced to the Elite 8 within the past few seasons. Both are tremendous programs that are well coached and extremely competitive.
 
I couldn't be prouder of the grit our team showed to pull out two very tough victories. We're looking forward to getting back in the gym and continuing to improve on the great results this weekend."
 
Up Next
Charleston will travel down to Winter Park, Florida and compete in the Rollins Tournament on September 2^nd and 3^rd.