Institute, W.Va. – The University of Charleston volleyball team battled through four competitive sets on the road but ultimately fell to rival West Virginia State, 3-1, inside the Walker Convocation Center. It was a hard-fought match with strong momentum swings on both sides as the Golden Eagles wrapped up their regular season with an overall record of 20-12 and 11-4 in Mountain East Conference play.

The Basics:
Location: Walker Convocation Center – Institute, W.Va.
Score: West Virginia State 3, Charleston 1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20)
Records: Charleston 20-12 (11-4 MEC), West Virginia State 15-12 (9-6 MEC)

How it Happened:
West Virginia State opened strong, jumping ahead 6-3 in the first set. The Golden Eagles kept things close midway through, trailing by three at 16-13, before the Yellow Jackets used a late run to extend their lead 23-16. UC rallied with a late push to close the gap to 24-22, but WVSU held on to take the opening set 25-22.

Charleston responded in set two, coming out sharp with a 5-1 run to start. West Virginia State tied the score 6-6, but the Golden Eagles quickly regrouped, going on a 5-point stretch to lead 15-10. UC maintained control through patient play and steady defense, closing the set 25-21 to even the match at one set apiece.

Set three stayed tight early, but WVSU broke it open midway through with a 5-point run to lead 13-8. The Yellow Jackets sustained their momentum through the remainder of the set, holding off UC 25-18 to regain the match lead.

In the fourth and final set, both teams traded points early to 6-6 before WVSU's offense exploded on a 12-2 run, turning a three-point deficit into a 21-15 lead. The Golden Eagles fought to close the gap but couldn't overcome the surge, as West Virginia State closed out the match 25-20 to secure the 3-1 victory.

Offense:
Divine Muo led the Golden Eagles with 14 kills, followed by Patrycja Majos with 11 and Sophia Knowles with 10. Kate Strong added 3 kills and a team-high 5 blocks. Setter Abby Avila directed the attack with 44 assists and contributed 2 service aces.

Defense:
Chloe Fortner led the team with 12 digs, while Majos, Muo, and Kalista Milne each contributed key defensive stops. Strong and Knowles combined for several crucial blocks that helped Charleston stay in contention throughout the match.
 
 
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles now turn their focus to postseason play as they prepare for the Mountain East Conference Tournament set for Nov 20^th.