University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics
Winthrop
10/29/2026 12:10:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate volleyball team returns to the G.B. Hodge Center this weekend for a pair of Big South Conference matchups, hosting Winthrop on Friday, Oct. 30, before welcoming Gardner-Webb on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Friday's match against the Eagles is scheduled for 6 p.m., while Saturday's contest against the Runnin' Bulldogs begins at 5:30 p.m. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+.
Saturday's matchup will also serve as Senior Day for the Spartans, as USC Upstate recognizes Savannah Page, Emma DeSensi, Alyssa Hook, Cora Hamilton and Katia Nikolic for their contributions to the program.
The Spartans will look to protect their home court and build momentum in conference play against two familiar opponents after facing both teams on the road earlier this month.
USC Upstate enters the weekend looking to rebound against two conference opponents it faced on the road earlier this month. The Spartans are 8-12 overall and 1-8 in Big South play, while Winthrop sits at 12-6 overall and 8-1 in the conference. Gardner-Webb enters the weekend at 15-9 overall and 5-4 in league action.
The Spartans will look to its leading offensive and defensive performers to make an impact throughout the weekend. Summer Kohler leads the Spartans with 266 kills, averaging 3.55 kills per set, while Kensley Haneline has contributed 188 kills and leads the team with a .303 hitting percentage. Sophia Spivey has added 131 kills, and Savannah Page enters the weekend with 103 kills.
At setter, Kamyla Vega David directs the Spartan offense with 505 assists, averaging 7.32 per set. Defensively, Sophia Overholt leads Upstate with 311 digs, while Kohler has added 178 digs. At the net, Haneline and Tien Murray have been key contributors, combining for 153 total blocks.
The Spartans will also recognize five seniors on Saturday. Page has contributed 103 kills this season, while Emma DeSensi has recorded 92 digs and six service aces.
Scouting Winthrop
Winthrop brings a strong offensive attack into Friday's matchup, averaging 13.5 kills per set while hitting .238 as a team. Paige Bennett leads the Eagles with 305 kills, averaging 4.24 per set, while setter Lexi Thatcher has recorded 683 assists. Defensively, Torain leads Winthrop with 300 digs, and Teagan Sychterz paces the team with 59 blocks.
The Eagles defeated the Spartans in straight sets when the teams met in Rock Hill on Oct. 17. Summer Kohler led Upstate with nine kills, while Kamyla Vega David distributed 24 assists. The Spartans will look to challenge Winthrop's offense and capitalize on opportunities at the net in Friday's rematch.
Scouting Gardner-Webb
Gardner-Webb enters Saturday's contest led by Sarina Galyean, who has recorded 234 kills, and Peyton Slone, who has added 180. Olivia Lefebvre leads the Runnin' Bulldogs with 467 assists, while Ella Moss has collected 271 digs. Milla Lugo anchors the front line with 61 total blocks.
Gardner-Webb claimed the first meeting between the teams in straight sets on Oct. 16. Kensley Haneline led the Spartans with nine kills, while Vega David finished with 11 assists. Upstate will look to reverse the result on its home floor while celebrating its senior class.
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