Carson Controls the Net, Sweeps Northwest Cabarrus in Straight Sets
Carson’s Net Defense was overwhelming
Photo: Jaelen M - CLT Media Group
Carson used aggressive attacks, strong serving and disciplined defense to earn a convincing road victory over Northwest Cabarrus on Tuesday night.
CONCORD, N.C. — Northwest Cabarrus opened Tuesday night’s match with some early momentum, but Carson High School quickly took control and never gave it back, sweeping the Trojans in straight sets at Northwest Cabarrus.
Northwest jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in the opening set, but Carson responded almost immediately. After pulling even, the Cougars began creating separation and eventually built a 12-5 advantage, forcing Northwest Cabarrus to call timeout.
The Trojans briefly found some life following the stoppage. A block from No. 15 ended a Carson scoring opportunity, and a defensive sequence highlighted by a Piper Martin dig helped Northwest earn another point.
Carson, however, continued attacking.
No. 31, Audrey Faggart, established herself as one of the most impactful players on the floor, repeatedly challenging Northwest at the net as the Cougars extended their advantage. Carson eventually closed the opening set with a convincing 25-13 victory.
Audrey Faggart attacks the net.
Photo by Jaelen M - CLT Media Group
The second set began much differently.
Northwest stayed within striking distance early, trailing just 7-6 after a Carson service error. For a stretch, the teams traded points and neither side was able to establish complete control.
That changed as the set progressed.
Carson’s serving and ability to handle Northwest’s return attempts helped the Cougars build a 15-9 lead. Whether Northwest tried to attack, defend or extend rallies, Carson routinely found an answer.
The Cougars also limited Northwest’s opportunities to generate clean attacks at the net.
Audrey Faggart, once again played a major role during the second set, putting together a stretch in which she accounted for several consecutive points while also providing strong defense around the net.
Carson pulled away for a 25-14 second-set victory, putting Northwest one set away from being swept on its home floor.
The Trojans struggled to regain their confidence in the third.
Carson raced out to a 7-1 lead, eventually extending the margin to 8-1 as Northwest struggled to establish rhythm with its passing and offensive execution.
With Carson comfortably ahead, the Cougars began rotating additional players into the match, including some of their younger athletes, while maintaining control.
By the time Carson built a 13-4 advantage, a sweep appeared increasingly likely.
Northwest continued competing, but the Cougars’ combination of pressure at the net and defensive consistency proved too much to overcome.
Tasean Perkins delivered the final attack of the night to secure the match and complete the straight-set victory for Carson.
Tasean Perkins attacking the defense
Photo: Jaelen M - CLT Media Group
Throughout the evening, Carson’s identity was clear.
The Cougars aggressively attacked the net, defended well at the point of attack and consistently kept rallies alive with timely digs. Their ability to transition from defense into offense prevented Northwest Cabarrus from sustaining momentum for long stretches.
Northwest showed flashes early in the opening two sets, but Carson’s response was consistent each time.
By the end of the night, it added up to one of the more convincing performances Northwest Cabarrus has faced this season, as Carson walked away with a 3-0 road victory.
Despite the loss, the night still carried historical significance for Northwest Cabarrus as senior libero Piper Martin surpassed 1,000 career digs, a milestone recognized by the school prior to the match.
CLT Media News will have continuing coverage of Northwest Cabarrus volleyball throughout the season.