New Bern Opens Season with Sweep of West Craven

Lady Bears volleyball opened the 2026 season with a solid 3-0 non-conference victory over the host West Craven Eagles on Tuesday, August 11, in Vanceboro.

The Bears took a tight first set 25-22 before pulling away in the second (25-16) and closing out the match 25-21 in the third. 

Sophomore  Allie Tuzo had a team-high 19 digs, 3 service aces, and 2 assists.

Junior setter Mary Alice Evans directed the offense with 36 assists and added 3 aces and 13 digs. Senior outside hitter Louisa Reno  led the attack with 9 kills, while junior Charlotte Smith was highly efficient with 8 kills on just 11 attempts for a .636 hitting percentage. Senior Peyton Finch contributed 7 kills, and junior Megan McGuire added 5 kills and a block.

As a team, New Bern finished with 38 kills, 38 assists, 8 aces, 67 digs, and 3 total blocks. The balanced attack and defensive effort allowed the Bears to control the match after the competitive first set.