Uwharrie Charter continues season-long dominance, advances to state semifinals

ASHEBORO — Confidence, Uwharrie Charter Academy volleyball coach Lee Kennell said, comes from preparation. The Eagles have certainly been prepared for their battles on the floor and the confidence level is easily seen.

The Eagles continued one of the most impressive streaks in Randolph County history by sweeping East Duplin on Saturday in the East Region semifinals to set up a match with Randolph County member Randleman on Tuesday night. The winner of that East Region championship battle earned a berth into the NCHSAA state 4-A championship, which will be played this weekend. 

The sweep over the Panthers was the 23rd straight-set victory in a row for the Eagles, who brought a 27-3 record into Tuesday night’s game against the Tigers. UCA has won 69 straight sets this season.

“They have so much confidence from the preparation they put in,” Kennell said after the Eagles’ 25-10, 25-19, 25-17 semifinal win. “It’s a belief they have in each other. I can’t tell you how much belief I have in them. It’s a special group.”

The first set was over in a flash.

“I sat down after the first set and said I don’t think we played that good all season,” said senior setter Emory Johnson. “The atmosphere. Post season wins are always more special, especially with this group.”

The Panthers put up a little more challenge in the second and third sets, but not nearly enough as Carly Rush and Caroline Way led the offensive attack.

“From that first set, each set they came out setting the tone,” Kennell said. “Each set we went up five or six and our goal is to keep separating. They wanted it so bad tonight. I’m so proud of them.”