The App State volleyball team recently traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, to compete against conference rival Old Dominion University, ultimately securing victories in both matches played over two days. The Mountaineers concluded the series with a dominant sweep in the second match after a 3-1 win in the first.
On the second day of play, App State exhibited improved cohesion and a stronger mentality, resulting in a commanding performance. The team "fully clicked as a team," dominating the first set with an early 10-5 lead and closing it out 25-17. This set proved to be the closest of the night, as the Mountaineers proceeded to deliver "complete blowouts" in the subsequent sets. App State beat Old Dominion 25-9 in the second set and 25-10 in the third, completing a 3-0 sweep. Sophomore outside hitter Charlotte Thompson led the team with 13 kills, while junior setter Raegan Richardson recorded the most assists with 29.
The first day of play presented a more challenging contest for the Mountaineers. The opening set was close, with both teams holding the lead briefly before Old Dominion ultimately won. App State made a number of errors, including 6 attacking errors in the first set alone. The Mountaineers regrouped in the second set, which began as a stalemate. App State took a 7-6 lead and then went on a significant 10-point run, extending their lead to 17-6. They won the set 25-12, with junior outside hitter Bella Hutchens contributing 6 kills in that set.
App State maintained its momentum into the third set, holding the lead for an extended period and achieving two 4-point streaks, leading to a 25-16 victory. The fourth set was the most competitive of the match, featuring traded leads between the teams. Despite the back-and-forth play, the Mountaineers secured the set 25-22, winning the first match 3-1. For the first match, Bella Hutchens recorded the most kills with 17, and Raegan Richardson led the team in assists with 42.
The Mountaineers are set to return home next weekend for a pair of matches against rival Coastal Carolina University. The games are scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., and both will be streamed on ESPN+.
