Volleyball Wraps Up Tourney Berth with Win over Hornets

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The Virginia Wesleyan College volleyball team clinched a spot in next week's Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) tournament with a 25-22, 25-19, 25-14 victory over Shenandoah University.

The Marlins jumped out to an early 8-2 lead in the first set as four different VWC players posted kills.

Shenandoah fought back into the set, ultimately tying the contest at 10-all. The Hornets kept it close the remainder of the half, but could not gain the lead from the Marlins. The best chance for Shenandoah was at 23-22, with the Hornets trailing by a point, but back-to-back Tiffany Barrett kills clinched the set win.

Virginia Wesleyan led the entire second set, putting the guest in a crucial third set. Shenandoah entered the match needing to win to advance to the ODAC tournament. The Hornets led 7-6 in the third set, looking like they might rally, but that was the only lead the guests would have.

Leading 18-14 late in the match, the Marlins rode seven-straight service points by Emily Pierson to win the match and clinch the tournament spot.

Kaitlyn Kelley led Shenandoah (13-16/4-7) with 12 kills as Rachel Cerretani dished out 23 assists.

Barrett led the Marlins with 11 kills while posting 14 digs. Pierson and Meghan Wood had 17 assists each as Allison Mackley led Virginia Wesleyan with 15 digs.

Virginia Wesleyan (16-14/6-5) will find out who it will face in the ODAC tournament tonight at the conclusion of the Guilford-Emory & Henry game. If Guilford were to win, it would create a three-way tie for fifth place and the Marlins would end up the No. 7 seed. An E&H win would make the Marlins the No. 6 seed.

ODAC Tournament Quarterfinal Seedings

1. Randolph-Macon (vs. Roanoke)
2. Washington and Lee (vs. Virginia Wesleyan)
3. Lynchburg (vs. Emory & Henry)
4. Bridgewater (vs. Guilford)
5. Guilford (at Bridgewater)
6. Emory & Henry (at Lynchburg)
7. Virginia Wesleyan (at Washington and Lee)
8. Roanoke (at Randolph-Macon)