Buckhannon, W.Va. – The Golden Eagles are champions of the Mountain East Conference. Charleston defeated West Virginia State 3–1 in the MEC Championship match, securing the conference title and earning an automatic bid into the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament. UC played its most complete volleyball of the season, using relentless pressure and calm execution in clutch moments to close out the Yellow Jackets.

The Basics:
Location: Rockefeller Center – Buckhannon, W.Va.
Score: Charleston 3, West Virginia State 1 (23–25, 25–18, 27–25, 25–18)
Records: UC 23–12 (11–4 MEC), WVSU 17–13 (9–6 MEC)

How it Happened:
Set one went to the Yellow Jackets despite a tightly contested start. Both teams traded points early and tied for the final time at 10–10 before WVSU slipped ahead. Charleston battled back late with a critical 5-point run to make it 24–23, but an Alyssa Hill kill closed out the frame 25–23 in favor of West Virginia State.

Charleston responded with authority in set two. After a 3–3 opening, UC began to pull away and held a 9–6 advantage before going on a 7–3 run to extend the lead to 14–7. The Golden Eagles controlled the remainder of the set, reaching 20–15 before closing the door on a 25–18 win, tying the match 1–1.

Set three was the turning point of the championship. UC jumped out early behind a 4-point run to lead 10–5, then pushed the margin to 15–7. West Virginia State surged back with a 7-point run of its own to steal a 22–19 lead, forcing Charleston into pressure-mode. The Golden Eagles rose to the moment, scoring 8 of the final 11 points and tying the set at 24–24 and 25–25 before Divine Muo delivered back-to-back kills to seal a dramatic 27–25 win and give UC a 2–1 match lead.

Charleston carried all momentum into the fourth set. The Golden Eagles built a 10–5 advantage behind steady offense and strong serving, then continued to widen the gap with patient, disciplined play. UC reached 20–13 and maintained full control as the set neared its end. With championship point on the line, Patrycja Majos delivered the final kill to clinch a 25–18 set victory and secure the MEC Championship for the Golden Eagles.

Stat Leaders:
Offensively, Divine Muo powered the Golden Eagles with 19 kills on .348 hitting, followed by Patrycja Majos with 11 kills and Matea Cunningham with 11 more. Sophia Knowles added 9 kills and one ace. Setter Abby Avila totaled 44 assists and added 11 digs.

Defensively, libero Chloe Fortner anchored UC's back row with a match-high 29 digs. Kate Strong led the blocking presence with 3 blocks, while Knowles contributed 6 block assists and Muo added 5. UC finished the match with 91 total digs and 18 block assists as a team.
 
Up Next:
Charleston earns the MEC's automatic bid to the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament. Opponent, location, and match time will be announced by the NCAA.