Wheeling, W.Va. — The University of Charleston women's volleyball team hit the road Friday night for a Mountain East Conference matchup against Wheeling inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center. The Golden Eagles battled through three competitive sets but ultimately fell 3–0 to the Cardinals. Charleston's offense found rhythm throughout the night, and the defense kept rallies alive, but Wheeling's late-set execution made the difference in each frame.

The Basics:
Location: Wheeling, WV (Alma Grace McDonough Center)
Score: Wheeling 3, Charleston 0 (25–20, 25–23, 27–25)
Records: Charleston 16–11 (8–3 MEC), Wheeling 13–12 (8–3 MEC)

How It Happened:
Set one opened with ties at 2–2 and 4–4 before Wheeling grabbed the lead for good. The Cardinals built momentum midway through the frame, while Divine Muo and Sophia Knowles provided early offense for UC. Despite hitting an efficient .304 in the set, the Golden Eagles couldn't close the gap as Wheeling's steady attack carried them to a 25–20 win.

The second set was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish, featuring four ties and no team leading by more than four points. Abby Avila guided the Charleston offense with 38 assists, spreading the ball between Muo, Patrycja Majos, and Kate Strong. The Golden Eagles rallied late to even the frame at 22–22, but Wheeling closed on a short run to edge out the 25–23 victory.

The third set was the tightest of the night, producing 14 ties and six lead changes. Neither team led by more than three points as the score remained tied at 13–13, 17–17, 20–20, and all the way through 25–25. Majos and Knowles each delivered key kills to keep UC in the fight, while Chloe Fortner anchored the defense with 11 digs. Strong added four block assists at the net, but Wheeling managed to string together the final two points to take the set 27–25 and complete the sweep.

Offensive Highlights:
Divine Muo and Sophia Knowles each led Charleston with 13 kills. Patrycja Majos followed with eight, while Kate Strong added five. Setter Abby Avila finished with 38 assists and three kills.

Defensive Highlights:
Chloe Fortner led the back row with 11 digs, followed by Avila with 12. Strong recorded a team-high six total blocks, including two solos, as Charleston totaled 10 block assists overall.

Up Next:
Charleston stays home to face off against Emory & Henry University November 1st at 6:00PM in the Werhle Innovation center!