MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University volleyball team (12–0) concluded its non-conference schedule undefeated on Saturday, defeating Jacksonville State in straight sets (25–21, 25–20, 25–21) to claim the Dolphin Volleyball Classic title. The victory marks the Mountaineers' fourth consecutive tournament championship and their seventh straight sweep.
WVU showcased a balanced offensive attack and disciplined defensive execution throughout the match, totaling 34 kills, six service aces, and eight total blocks while hitting .273 as a team.
The Mountaineers opened the match with authority, registering 11 kills on 25 attempts for a .320 hitting percentage in the first set. Their rhythm at the net, combined with two service aces and three blocks, established early momentum. In the second frame, WVU maintained pressure with 13 kills on 32 swings (.219), adding another ace and block to preserve its edge. The team closed out the match with 10 kills on 20 attempts (.300), three service aces, and four blocks, securing the sweep with a strong finish both at the net and from the service line.
Redshirt junior opposite
Trinity Sheridan led the offensive charge with eight kills on 16 attempts (.375), adding one block to finish with 8.5 points. Junior outside hitter
Nina Horning contributed seven kills (.214), one ace, seven digs, and three blocks for a team-high 9.5 points. Redshirt senior outside hitter
Cassidy Tanton added eight kills, one ace, and five digs, totaling nine points. Freshman right side
Anna Barr chipped in six kills on 11 attempts (.455) and two blocks for seven points.
Senior middle blocker
Laila Ibrahim added four kills and five total blocks, while junior middle blocker
Maddy McGath contributed one kill, one ace, two digs, and three total blocks to round out the scoring.
Setters
Alexis Finnvold (redshirt junior) and
Sarah Pfiffner (freshman) directed the offense with 16 and 14 assists, respectively. Finnvold also added one ace and five digs, while Pfiffner contributed three digs. Senior libero
LonDynn Betts anchored the back row with a match-high 14 digs and served up two aces.
West Virginia opens Big 12 Conference play next Saturday, September 27, traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face the Cincinnati Bearcats at 1 p.m. ET in Fifth Third Arena.
For more information on the Mountaineers, follow @WVUVolleyball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
