MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University volleyball team (10–0) opened the Dolphin Volleyball Classic with a dominant performance, defeating Florida A&M in straight sets (25–14, 25–14, 28–26). The victory marks WVU's fifth consecutive sweep and ties the program record for best season start.
 
The Mountaineers showcased a balanced attack and relentless defense, totaling 34 kills, 13 service aces, and eight blocks. WVU hit .266 as a team and controlled the match from start to finish.
 
In the opening set, West Virginia came out firing, hitting .409 with 11 kills on 22 attempts. Five service aces and three blocks helped establish early momentum. The second set proved to be the smoothest stretch, as the Mountaineers cruised with 10 kills and five more aces. The third set turned into a gritty battle, but WVU remained composed, swinging at a .242 clip with 13 kills, three aces, and four blocks to seal the sweep.
 
Junior outside hitter Nina Horning led the offense with eight kills, three aces, and five digs, totaling 11.5 points. Redshirt junior opposite Trinity Sheridan was nearly unstoppable, hitting .692 with nine kills on 13 swings and adding two blocks for 10 points. Redshirt senior outside hitter Cassidy Tanton contributed eight kills, two aces, and a block for 10.5 points.
 
Setters redshirt junior Alexis Finnvold and freshman Sarah Pfiffner directed the offense with 15 and 11 assists, respectively. Finnvold added two aces and three digs, while Pfiffner chipped in one ace and three digs.
 
Junior middle blocker Maddy McGath added two kills and four total blocks for 6.5 points. Senior middle blocker Laila Ibrahim contributed two kills and three total blocks.
 
Senior libero LonDynn Betts anchored the back row with a game-high 12 digs and two service aces.
 
Day two of the Dolphin Volleyball Classic continues Friday, as WVU faces Jacksonville at 6 p.m. 
 
For more information on the Mountaineers, follow @WVUVolleyball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.