The Virginia Wesleyan women's volleyball team (17-0, 4-0 ODAC) pulled out a thrilling five-set victory over Lynchburg on Wednesday night, winning by scores of 23-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-17, and 15-6.
Alexis Shaw led the offense and tallied 16 kills, with a .350 hitting percentage, five digs, and two block assists,
Breana Brooks recorded 13 kills, with a .308 hitting percentage, four block assists, and
Brianna Clay registered 13 kill with a .385 hitting percentage with two block assists, and two digs.
Niya Nash led the team with 50 assists, had 14 digs, two service aces, and one block assist, and teammate
Hannah Smith led the team with 23 digs, nine kills, three service aces, and three block assists.
In the opening set, momentum swung back and forth as both teams traded runs early. Lynchburg jumped ahead with a quick 4-0 start, but the Marlins responded with a 7-1 surge to seize control at 7-5. The Hornets then countered with a 7-1 run to take a 14-13 lead. The two teams traded points until the Marlins had a late 5-1 surge to lead 23-22. However, the Hornets rallied, scoring three straight points to take set one at 25-23.
Virginia Wesleyan regrouped in set two with an explosive start to take a commanding 14-3 lead. Lynchburg attempted to rally late, cutting the deficit to seven, but VWU never let go of its momentum. Another strong stretch of points pushed the Marlins ahead comfortably as they closed the frame 25-17, evening the match at one set apiece.
Set three mirrored the first in its intensity, but early on the Marlins built a narrow 8-6 lead. Lynchburg fought back with an 8-3 run to take a 14-11 lead, but the Marlins countered with a 6-2 run to regain the lead at 17-16. However, that was short-lived as the Hornets outscored VWU 8-3 to take a 24-20 lead. Virginia Wesleyan scored the next three points to bring the score to 24-23, but LYN scored the next point to win set three 25-23.
Lynchburg began the fourth set strongly, taking a 12-8 lead. The Marlins responded with a decisive 13-2 run to seize control at 21-14, then closed out the set 25-17.
In the final frame, Virginia Wesleyan wasted no time setting the tone. The Marlins rattled off the first seven points, building a 12-4 cushion that left no doubt about the outcome. With service aces fueling the surge, VWU continued to press forward, finishing the set with consecutive aces for a 15-6 victory.
