Sept. 20, 2002

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina dominated the Spartans as they defended their perfect SoCon record by defeating UNC Greensboro, 3-0, in the team's conference home opener at the Ramsey Center Friday night. The Catamounts improve to 9-4 (3-0), while UNCG falls to 2-11 (0-3).

The Spartans couldn't get in sync to start the match and the Catamounts took advantage of the opportunity, attacking hard and taking the early lead for the night with the 30-15 victory in the first game. The second match began to play out like the first, with the Cats capitalizing on two service aces by Stefanie Peters and some hard hitting by the Catamount front line. Western took the second game, 30-22.

The Spartans, led by Dawn Bright's six kills and 14 attacks in the third game, sparked a comeback to challenge the Catamounts. UNCG took the lead at 18-17 before Western came back to tie and take the lead back, posting three more aces and good supporting defense. Greensboro hung in the game and brought it within two points, but WCU claimed the victory with the 30-27 win in the third on a kill by Michelle Gorton.

Gorton led the Cats with 13 kills, 34 attacks and 12 digs. Tricia Eble added 13 kills and 24 attacks, while Sara Komosinski posted 10 kills, 24 attacks and four blocks. Shari Harder had 29 assists for Western and eight digs, recording time at the setter as well as libero positions. Alex Arendell contributed 10 assists as the setter in the third game for WCU.

Bright led the way for UNCG with 15 kills and 31 attacks. Juliet Pack had 11 attacks, 23 assists and nine digs for the Spartans, while Kim Dayton added five kills, 23 attacks and eight digs. Rebekah Faulise led Greensboro in digs with 11.