Columbia, South Carolina, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Gamecocks volleyball team secured a commanding 3-0 win against USC Upstate, improving their record to 6-4. With a striking season-high hitting percentage of .391 and a total of 11 blocks, the Gamecocks showcased their strength on the court. The match saw the Gamecocks dominate the first two sets, winning 25-11 and 25-13, before clinching the third set 25-23. Head coach Sarah Rumely Noble prepares her team for upcoming SEC matches against Kentucky and Tennessee next week.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Gamecocks volleyball team rounded out their non-conference season with an emphatic 3-0 sweep over USC Upstate on Wednesday, marking an improvement in their overall record to 6-4, while USC Upstate’s record falls to 6-6. This decisive victory demonstrated the Gamecocks’ strong performance, highlighted by their season-high hitting percentage of .391 and a total of 11 blocks throughout the match.
Set Breakdown
First Set
The Gamecocks opened the match with authority, establishing an 8-2 lead after a 4-0 run early in the set. They maintained control, extending their lead sharply to 23-6 with a 5-0 run powered by impressive kills from Nia Hall and Alayna Johnson. The first set concluded with South Carolina claiming a dominant win at 25-11, capped off by a service error from USC Upstate.
Second Set
Continuing their momentum, South Carolina began the second set with a service ace from Victoria Hill, quickly racing to a 7-1 advantage at the media timeout. The Gamecocks kept a comfortable lead throughout the set, including a 4-0 run that put them ahead 14-4, thanks to contributions from Hill and Ava Leahy. The Gamecocks finished the second set strong, ending it 25-13 with final kills from Phoebe Reyes, Emily Beeker, and Hall.
Third Set
The final set was more competitive, with both teams exchanging points. At one point, South Carolina held a 19-15 lead due to a kill from Beeker. However, USC Upstate fought back to tie the set at 19, prompting a timeout from South Carolina. Ultimately, Beeker’s key kill secured the set and match victory for the Gamecocks, with a final score of 25-23.
Looking Ahead
Following this victory, the Gamecocks are poised to begin Southeastern Conference (SEC) play on the road next week. Their upcoming matches include a contest against Kentucky on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m., and another against Tennessee on Friday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Coaching Insights
Newly appointed head coach Sarah Rumely Noble officially joined the South Carolina volleyball program on March 31. Before this position, Rumely Noble successfully coached at Appalachian State, significantly improving the team’s performance. A former four-time All-SEC honoree and All-American at Kentucky, she aims to build a sustainable program at South Carolina. Her focus is on developing a strong team culture while also achieving immediate competitive successes. The Gamecock volleyball program has yet to advance beyond the second round of the NCAA tournament, a milestone that Rumely Noble aspires to reach with her new team.
Additionally, the program is currently undergoing a search for a new assistant coach following Mendoza’s departure to Marquette University.
Key Performance Highlights
- Final Match Score: South Carolina Gamecocks 3, USC Upstate 0
- Gamecocks Record: 6-4
- USC Upstate Record: 6-6
- South Carolina Hitting Percentage: .391
- Total Blocks: 11
Upcoming Matches
- Kentucky: September 24 at 7:00 p.m.
- Tennessee: September 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the South Carolina Gamecocks vs. USC Upstate match?
The final score was South Carolina Gamecocks 3, USC Upstate 0.
What is South Carolina’s current record?
South Carolina’s record improved to 6-4 with this victory.
What does South Carolina’s hitting percentage stand at after this match?
South Carolina achieved a season-high hitting percentage of .391 in this match.
Who is the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks volleyball team?
The head coach is Sarah Rumely Noble, who joined on March 31.
When does South Carolina begin SEC play?
South Carolina begins SEC play on the road next week, with matches against Kentucky and Tennessee.
Key Match Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Match Score | South Carolina Gamecocks 3, USC Upstate 0 |
| Gamecocks Record | 6-4 |
| USC Upstate Record | 6-6 |
| South Carolina Hitting Percentage | .391 |
| Total Blocks | 11 |
| Next Match against Kentucky | September 24 at 7:00 p.m. |
| Next Match against Tennessee | September 26 at 6:30 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charlotte High School Athletes Sign Letters of Intent
National Signing Day Celebrates Charlotte Student-Athletes
Charlotte-Area High School Seniors Sign National Letters of Intent
High School Athletes Shine on National Signing Day in Charlotte
Charlotte Area High School Seniors Mark National Signing Day
Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online: Rumely Noble Named Head Volleyball Coach
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks
- The State: USC Women’s Basketball Update
- Google Search: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Gamecocks Online: Rumely Noble Adds to Volleyball Coaching Staff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Volleyball
- WLTX: Gamecocks Volleyball News
- Google News: USC Volleyball
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