MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Sept. 3, 2025) – The West Virginia University volleyball team returns home to host the West Virginia Invitational from September 4–6 at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown. The Mountaineers will face North Dakota, Liberty and Coppin State over three days of competition.
West Virginia opens the tournament on Thursday, at 6 p.m. against North Dakota, followed by a Friday night matchup with Liberty at 6 p.m. The Invitational wraps up Saturday afternoon, with a 1 p.m. contest against Coppin State. All matches will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The meeting with North Dakota marks only the second time the two programs have faced off. The Mountaineers traveled to North Dakota last season for the NDSU/UND Tournament, where they fell in a close 3-2 match. This year, North Dakota will make its first-ever trip to Morgantown.
West Virginia will also face Liberty in a rematch of last year's contest at Liberty's home tournament. The Mountaineers currently lead the all-time series 8-4 and will look to extend their advantage as the Flames return to Morgantown for the first time since 2013.
Finally, WVU will take on Coppin State for just the third time in program history. The Mountaineers hold a perfect 2-0 record in the series, with the last meeting taking place in 2019.
The Mountaineers enter the weekend with momentum, having posted a 3-0 record at the Quest for the Crown in Norfolk, Va. This start marks just the 13th time in program history the team has started 3-0. Three players earned MVP honors during the tournament: senior middle blocker Laila Ibrahim, redshirt junior opposite Trinity Sheridan and junior middle blocker Maddy McGath.
Ibrahim was a force at the net against Towson, recording seven kills on a .667 hitting percentage and dominating with 13 blocks for 15.5 points. Sheridan led the offense versus Old Dominion with 16 kills (.367), three blocks and 17.5 points. McGath closed the weekend with a standout performance against Fairfield, posting 14 kills (.370), six blocks and a match-high 19 points.
Statistically, several Mountaineers have made early-season impacts. Setter Alexis Finnvold has been the engine of the offense, averaging 6.54 assists per set and totaling 85 assists across three matches. She also contributed 40 digs and three service aces. Sheridan leads the team in kills (35) and points (39.5), averaging 2.69 kills and 3.04 points per set. McGath follows closely with 28 kills and a team-high 41.0 points, averaging 3.15 points per set and 1.31 blocks per set. Ibrahim has added 17 kills and 18 total blocks, averaging 1.64 blocks per set.
Defensively, libero LonDynn Betts has anchored the back row with 38 digs (2.92 per set) and a .952 reception percentage. Outside hitter Cassidy Tanton has contributed 34 kills and 26 digs, while freshman Anna Barr has impressed with 13 kills on a .273 clip and five blocks.
West Virginia Invitational Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 4
3 p.m. - Liberty vs. Coppin State
6 p.m.- North Dakota vs. West Virginia
Friday, Sept. 5
3 p.m. - Coppin State vs. North Dakota
6 p.m. - Liberty vs. West Virginia
Saturday, Sep 6
10 a.m. - North Dakota vs. Liberty
1 p.m. - Coppin State vs. West Virginia
Fans looking to purchase tickets still have the opportunity to purchase the 2025 season tickets until tomorrow at 5:59 P.M. at $75 plus fees. All season tickets will be delivered via mobile delivery.
Fans, looking to purchase single game tickets can purchase online in advance. Tickets are $12 each (plus fees), while tickets are $5 for groups of 10 or more. The discounted online pricing will be available until the start of the first set on game day. Fans are encouraged to order tickets in advance online to avoid lines at stadium gates.
For more information on the Mountaineers, follow @WVUVolleyball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
