Wheeling, W. Va. - After opening Mountain East Conference (MEC) play with a win on Tuesday night, the Wheeling University Volleyball team (10-4, 1-0) hits the road on Friday when they face Frostburg State at 7 PM. After playing their last seven games on their home court, it is a chance for Wheeling to test themselves away from the Alma Grace McDonough Center.

Last time out, they took on Fairmont State and sent the home crowd home happy, scoring a 3-0 victory over the Falcons. The Cardinals' hitters were on fire throughout the night, with a hitting percentage of .455, and the defense was just as good as they were able to get to the floor and keep the ball in play for their team. Wheeling held Fairmont State to under 20 points in all three sets on their way to their fifth sweep of the 2021 season.

On the offensive side of the ball, Mady Winters (New Martinsville, WV./Magnolia HS) led the way with 11 kills on 14 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .714 in the game. Wheeling also saw the return of senior Kayla Bekier (Northwood, OH./Lake) to the starting lineup, and she took advantage with 10 kills on the day. The hitters were helped out by a strong day from their setter, sophomore Karly Niesen (Cincinnati, OH./Roger Bacon), who finished the day with 37 assists while adding three kills in the win.

On the defensive side of the ball, Wheeling had two girls digging out hits and keeping the ball alive for their setter. Leading the way was senior Audrey Francis (Sidney, OH./Fairlawn) with 20 digs, raising her season total to 337, ranking her second in the MEC. Senior Jenna Franks (Dover, OH./Tuscarawas Valley) followed up the effort with 15 digs, equaling her second-highest dig total this season.

With the win, Wheeling begins conference play 1-0 and improves their overall record to 10-4 on the season. With conference play taking over the remainder of their 2021 Fall schedule, Wheeling looks to keep the momentum on their side, this time away from the Alma Grace McDonough Center. They play five of their next six games on the road, with the only home match in that stretch coming on October 8th. It will be a test for the Cardinals as they try and show they can compete in enemy territory.

The Match-up

The Cardinals and Bobcats have a short history, dating back to 2019, spanning four contests between the two teams. Wheeling has gone 4-0 in those matches, playing two in Frostburg, Maryland, and two in the Alma Grace McDonough Center. Their last meeting came on February 23rd, 2021, in a game that Wheeling was able to win 3-0.

Lexi Smith (Portsmouth, Notre Dame) led the team with 13 kills on that day, while Reagan Rosi (Powell, OH./Olentangy Liberty) added 10 kills in the win. With many of the top performers from that game back with this year's team, Wheeling hopes for a similar result as they play on the road.

The Details

Tip-off for Friday night's game is scheduled for 7 PM on the campus of Frostburg State. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.