Lynchburg, Va. -- The Lynchburg Hornets will kick off conference play on the road Wednesday, Sept. 17, visiting cross-town rival Randolph at 6 p.m.

Lynchburg has handily controlled the series between the two sides, winning 25 of the 28 meetings since 1999. Nevertheless, Randolph took down the Hornets in 2023 in a 3-1 finish. 

Randolph (4-6) enters the matchup riding a three-game winning streak and has claimed four of its last five contests.

The Wildcats return much of their 2024 production while welcoming nine newcomers — seven of them first-years. Freshman Kelsey Bowler has quickly emerged as one of the league's top rookies, meshing seamlessly with veterans Jamie Galinis and Brooklyn Finnerty.

The Hornets (10-1) are off to the best start in program history. For three straight weeks, they have received votes in the national poll, hovering just outside the top 25. Lynchburg picked up three wins last week, including two sweeps.

Statistically, the Hornets lead the ODAC in opponent kills per set (8.41) and rank second in kills per set (12.54). Kate Hardie, Tori Williamson, and Jacqueline Bryant all sit inside the league's top 20 in kills per set, each averaging 2.5 or more.

After Wednesday's contest, Lynchburg returns home for two pivotal ODAC clashes — a Code Red showdown with Bridgewater on Friday, Sept. 19, followed by a meeting with Washington & Lee on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-the-minute news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

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--LYN--