UNC Wilmington took down Elon (8-9) on Sunday afternoon, to pick up its first conference win of the season. UNCW coach Amy Bambenek said she had one message for her team going into the game. 

“They always play well here,” said Bambenek. “I told them ‘we just need to play better.’” 

That is exactly what the team did.  

The first set was dominated by the Seahawks (11-6) as they jumped out to an early 8-3 lead, forcing Elon to call a timeout. Out of the timeout UNCW kept firing, increasing its lead to 17-8. The Phoenixes attempted a comeback late in the set, but the Seahawks came out on top winning 25-17. 

The next two sets were back and forth the whole way through. The second set saw the two teams going point-for-point until the Seahawks jumped ahead late, winning once again 25-17.  

Elon came out in the third refusing to lose. The set started out much like the second, going back-and-forth until the Phoenixes pushed ahead with a 24-19 lead. The Seahawks tried to come back and close out the game, but ultimately lost the set 25-22. 

At the start of the fourth set, junior libero Anna Weissman came out with high intensity, high-fiving everyone on the court and shouting words of encouragement to each of her teammates. 

“I knew we had to keep our spirits and the intensity up,” said Weissman. “I knew we were going to get the win and I wanted to make sure everyone knew.”  

This extra push was exactly what the Seahawks needed. UNCW got a quick two points on the board to start the set and never looked back. Even when the Phoenixes jumped back in front, the Seahawks pushed through and came out victorious grabbing the 25-18 win. 

With this 3-1 win, the Seahawks’ conference record improves to 1-3. The team will look to build off this win as they prepare for their next match against Northeastern on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in Boston.