MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University volleyball team (13–6, 1–6 Big 12) was narrowly defeated by No. 24 Colorado (16–3, 7-1 Big 12) in a five-set contest on Saturday afternoon at the CU Events Center. The match concluded with set scores of 25–19, 20–25, 25–19, 19–25, and 8–15.
West Virginia opened the match with a commanding first-set performance, registering 13 kills on a .417 hitting percentage and launching into a 9–0 run to start the frame. The Mountaineers maintained offensive pressure in the second set, recording a match-high 15 kills, though efficiency dipped to .231 due to increased errors. Set three marked a rebound in execution, with WVU hitting .281 and matching its kill total from the previous frame. However, the fourth set proved pivotal, as the team struggled with consistency, hitting just .023 despite 13 kills. In the decisive fifth set, West Virginia managed six kills on a .133 clip but was unable to regain early momentum.
The Mountaineers concluded the match with 62 kills on 154 attempts, posting a .201 hitting percentage. The offense was supported by 53 assists and five service aces, while the defense contributed 61 digs and nine total blocks, including two solo blocks and 14 block assists.
Redshirt senior outside hitter
Cassidy Tanton led the team with 17 kills on 43 attempts (.233) and a match-high 14 digs, earning her seventh double-double of the season and the 19th of her career. Junior outside hitter
Nina Horning added 16 kills on 37 swings (.270) and 12 digs, marking her second career double-double.
Redshirt junior right side hitter
Trinity Sheridan reached a career milestone, surpassing 1,000 career kills. She finished with 14 kills on 28 attempts (.321), two digs, one block assist, and 14.5 points.
Junior middle blocker
Maddy McGath anchored the net defensively, leading the team with five total blocks. She added six kills on 17 attempts and two digs for 9.5 points. Senior middle blocker
Laila Ibrahim contributed five kills and four total blocks, while senior opposite hitter
Lauren Bodily chipped in three kills and three total blocks.
Redshirt junior setter
Alexis Finnvold led all players with 32 assists, adding five service aces and nine digs. Senior libero
LonDynn Betts contributed nine digs and eight assists, while sophomore defensive specialist
Eily Painter added five digs. Senior middle blocker
Chalina Lederer recorded one dig in limited action.
West Virginia returns home for a three-match homestand, beginning with Utah on Friday, October 24 at 7 p.m. ET inside Hope Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia.
For more information on the Mountaineers, follow @WVUVolleyball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
