ATHENS — In a gripping five-set battle at the Carter Center, the West Virginia Wesleyan volleyball team fell just short against Mountain East Conference rival Concord University, 3–2 (23–25, 25–20, 25–19, 26–28, 15–10)
Wesleyan opened the match strong, edging Concord 25–23 in the first frame behind efficient play from MacKenna Halfin and Bhrooke Axe. The Lady Bobcats’ front line established early rhythm, holding Concord to just .077 hitting in the opening set.
Concord responded by taking the next two sets (25–20, 25–19), capitalizing on a more balanced attack led by Meg Williams and Addison Adkins, who combined for 32 kills on the night. The Mountain Lions’ offense hit .250 in the second frame and .282 in the third to seize momentum.
In a thrilling fourth set, Wesleyan battled back from multiple match points to win 28–26, forcing a decisive fifth. Halfin led the charge with several clutch kills late in the frame, while setter Claire Wheeler guided the offense, tallying a match-high 25 assists. However, Concord regrouped in the final set, pulling away 15–10 to secure the victory.
Lady Bobcat Leaders
MacKenna Halfin paced the Lady Bobcats with 20 kills on .395 hitting and added a solo block and one assist for 21 total points.
Bhrooke Axe followed closely with 14 kills, 10 total blocks, and 17 points, anchoring Wesleyan’s presence at the net.
Emily Denison added 9 kills and 12 digs, while Lisdarelyn Grassals chipped in 5 kills and 4 digs.
Wheeler and Lacey Guthrie orchestrated the offense, combining for 40 assists.
Defensively, Alexis Moeschler anchored the back row with 14 digs, supported by Gutherie’s 7 and Denison’s 12.
As a team, Wesleyan hit .153 on 56 kills and recorded 10 total blocks.
Inside the Numbers
The match featured 22 ties and 12 lead changes.
Concord out-hit Wesleyan .213 to .153 and narrowly led in digs (82–65) and total points (89–69).
Wesleyan’s fourth-set performance (.227 hitting) marked their offensive peak of the night.
Wesleyan takes on another tough conference foe when it travels to West Virginia State University Friday, Oct. 10 for a 7 p.m. first serve against the Yellow Jackets.
