UNCW rode their two-match winning streak into Burlington last weekend and ran through the competition with ease at the Elon Classic. The Seahawks did not drop a game as they routed North Carolina A&T, Campbell and Elon University, winning each match 3-0.

The Seahawks are on a five-match winning streak (5-1 overall) and have come out on top in 15 straight games. Their last loss came in game one of a 3-1 victory over Hartford at the Battle of the Beach tournament.

The Seahawks’ powerful start to the 2008 season is unprecedented for any UNCW volleyball team under Head Coach Jennifer McCall. Since McCall took over in 2004, the Seahawks have never come close to a winning record and have combined for only two conference wins.

However, this year’s squad is determined to change how UNCW volleyball is viewed.

In match one of the tournament, the Seahawks faced familiar foe North Carolina A&T. The Aggies fell 3-0 to UNCW at the Battle at the Beach one week earlier and were the recipients of a similar defeat at the Elon classic. Senior Megan Nash and sophomore Rachael Caricato led the way with nine kills each. Caricato recorded an impressive .615 attack percentage and had only one error, while Nash had a .467 attack percentage, with just two miscues.

In the second match against Campbell, the Seahawks continued their streak as they blew past the Camels in three games. Juniors Anna Price and Lindsey Strucko were dominant for UNCW with 11 and 10 kills respectively.

In the final match against the host team Elon, the Seahawks stunned the Phoenix in a packed gym. Junior Paula McConnell led the Seahawks with 12 kills and a .429 attack percentage en route to claiming the Elon Classic MVP.

“It was really exciting (to win the MVP award),” McConnell said. “But there is no way I could have done it without my teammates.”

McConnell, a two-year captain for the Seahawks, has noticed a significant improvement in this year’s team.

“We are physically stronger. We worked really hard, getting in shape in the off-season, and it is paying off. We have more confidence than we’ve ever had.”

Senior Jacqueline Crane also commented on the team’s early success.

“We are much more focused this year. We don’t let the little stuff bother us, and we put our mistakes behind us,” Crane said. “We stay pumped every point and try to keep momentum even if we are down.”

Momentum has carried the Seahawks this season. They have looked very impressive in the two tournaments they have played, but conference matches will prove to be the most meaningful. With the goal of making the CAA tournament, UNCW will need to be one of the top six teams in the conference. The Seahawks will have to keep their momentum as they travel to Georgia Southern for a three-match tournament this weekend