INSTITUTE, W.Va. — The University of Charleston women's volleyball team (14-6, 4-2 MEC) secured a pivotal four-set victory (25-15, 25-21, 17-25, 25-11) over Mountain East Conference South Division rival West Virginia State (10-9, 5-1 MEC) on Tuesday night at the Walker Convocation Center. With the win, Charleston moved into second place in the MEC South standings, improving to 4-2 in conference play, while West Virginia State remains atop the division.
The Basics:
Location: Walker Convocation Center
Score: 3-1 (W)
How it Happened:
Charleston set the tone early, dominating the first set with a .414 hitting percentage and steady defensive play. The Golden Eagles capitalized on multiple attack errors from the Yellow Jackets and surged to a comfortable 25-15 win.
The second set proved to be more competitive, with six ties as both teams battled for momentum. Charleston's offense, led by standout performances from Emma Shepherd and Riley Hoff, came through in crucial moments to secure a 25-21 win and extend the lead to 2-0.
West Virginia State responded with their best performance of the night in the third set, hitting .405 and minimizing errors to win 25-17, keeping their hopes alive. However, Charleston quickly regrouped in the fourth set, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess. The Golden Eagles posted a .406 hitting percentage and dominated the set from start to finish, rolling to a 25-11 win to close out the match.
Shepherd led Charleston with 12 kills and three service aces, while Pia Selke and Hoff added 11 kills apiece. London Upchurch orchestrated the attack with 20 assists and anchored the defense with 15 digs. The Golden Eagles' efficient offense and strong net play were the keys to their victory.
With the win, Charleston solidifies its position in the MEC South Division standings, now trailing only West Virginia State. The Golden Eagles' efficient offense and strong net play were the keys to their victory.
Up Next:
Charleston will return home to host Frostburg State University on Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m. at the Wehrle Innovation Center. The Golden Eagles will look to continue their winning momentum in the Mountain East Conference matchup.
