Wheeling, W. Va. - After dropping their first Mountain East Conference (MEC) match of the year, the Wheeling University Volleyball team (8-10, 4-1) are looking to bounce back on their home floor. The Cardinals tip-off their second straight two match weekend as they welcome the MEC South inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center. The weekend begins against West Virginia Wesleyan on Friday at 7 PM and wraps up on Saturday when the Cardinals host Davis & Elkins at 1 PM.
Last time out, the Cardinals traveled to West Liberty for the first meeting of the annual "The Battle for Wheeling." The Cardinals would start the match strong, putting together their highest hitting percentage of the night at .239 and forcing a win-by-two scenario. However, the Hilltoppers would take set one 27-25 and kept the momentum going into the second set. They would score the first three points and they jumped out to a 15-9 lead. The Cardinals would continue to battle, but couldn't overcome the Hilltoppers as they fell 25-18 to fall behind 2-0. Wheeling would battle to stay in the match in set three, and once again was able to force a win-by-two scenario. However, they would end up dropping the match in straight sets as they fell 27-25 and took their first conference loss of the season.
The Cardinals were once again led by Camryn Matus, who knocked down 15 kills and finished with a .355 hitting percentage on the evening. Matus has been a force on offense for the cardinals this season, finishing with double digit kills in nine of the last 11 matches. It was the second straight double-digit kill mark for the freshman and the fifth time that she has gone over the 15 kill mark this season. She would get the Cardinals started strong in the first set, knocking down seven of those 15 kills in the first set as she helped the Cardinals force the win by two scenario. Matus has filled roles all over the court for the team in 2025, and looks to continue to be a key contributor as they fight to claim their spot in the MEC Tournament.
Wheeling's most efficient hitter of the day was Kaite Wilking, who put together a .409 hitting percentage in the three-set effort. It was her second highest hitting percentage of the season, and the second time that she eclipsed the .400 hitting percentage mark this season. She finished with 10 kills on the day as she hit double digits for the second match in a row. Leading the way for the defensive effort was freshman Kendall Kupper, who finished with 15 digs on the night. Kupper has been a consistent presence in the libero spot for the Cardinals and picked up double digit digs for the fourth straight match and the 10th time in the last 11 matches. Her defensive effort will be a big part of the Cardinal's success as she helps control the back line.
Even after taking the loss, the Cardinals still maintain their lead in the MEC North Division, leading the conference by one game. The Cardinals are one of four teams with one loss in the conference as the race to host the 2025 MEC Tournament is on. Wheeling is the lone one loss team in the MEC North, with Concord, Charleston, and West Virginia State each have one loss in the MEC South Division. The Cardinals already have a win over West Virginia State and will need to keep earning wins throughout the MEC South portion of their schedule. The MEC South stretch starts this weekend and Wheeling will look to bounce back on their home court.
The Matchup
West Virginia Wesleyan: The Cardinals and Bobcats are meeting for the 35th time in program history, with Wheeling leading the all-time series at 30-4. The Cardinals have won each of the 11 matches inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center and have won each of the last 28 matches between the two teams. The Cardinals have taken every set from the Bobcats since the 2012 season. Their last meeting came on November 21st, 2024 in a match that Wheeling would win 3-0. Leading the way for the Cardinals was former Cardinal Samantha Comer, who knocked down nine kills, while former Cardinal Riley Kindall led the way with 12 digs on the back line.
Davis & Elkins: The Cardinals and Senators are meeting for the 21st time in program history, with Wheeling leading the all-time series at 20-0. The Cardinals have won all nine matches played inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center and have won all three sets against the Senators in their previous 20 matches. The last match-up between the two teams came on October 19th, 2024, in a match that the Cardinals won 3-0. Leading the way for the Cardinals was Katie Wilking, who finished with 11 kills, while former Cardinal Karly Niesen added 32 assists in the game.
The Details
Tip-off for Friday's weekend opener is scheduled for 7 PM inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
