Lynchburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's volleyball team continues conference play at home, welcoming the Bridgewater Eagles in a Code Red affair on Friday, Sept. 19.
This matchup will be the 31st meeting between the teo programs since 1999, with the Eagles controlling the series 20-10. Bridgewater has won the previous four matches, including a 3-1 victory last season in Nininger Hall.
Bridgewater (8-3) enter this affair riding a four game win streak, all of which have come in three set sweeps. The Eagles have been battle tested through their first 11 games, playing four matches against teams in or just outside the national rankings. In those four matches, Bridgewater has gone 1-3, with the victory coming against No. 25 Christopher Newport in five sets on the road.
Junior outside hitter Reagan Stoop highlights the Eagles offense as one of the premier pinhitters in the ODAC. Stoop has notched the second most kills/set this season in the conference, 3.90, and the third most points/set, 4.43. The 2023 ODAC Freshman of the Year, AVCA All-American HM, and 2x All-ODAC First Teamer, leads a fierce Eagle attack that leads the conference in kills/set, 12.70.
Lynchburg (11-1) comes into this contest with their best start in program history and receiving votes in the national pole. The Hornets sport a four game winning streak, defeaeating Randolph in their last match for their sixth sweep of the season.
Defense has been a crucial identity to the Hornets through their first dozen games, holding opposing squads to the second fewest kills/set in the ODAC, 8.30, and the second lowest attacking percentage, .099.
The Lynchburg offense has attacked by committee this season, with three student-athletes in the top-10 in the ODAC for total points:
Kate Hardie, 3rd with 151.5,
Tori Williamson, 8th with 121.5, and
Jacqueline Bryant, 9th with 120.
Following this match, Lynchburg will have another strong conference opponent on deck on Saturday at 11 a.m. against No. 6 Washington & Lee (10-0) in Turner Gymnasium. The Generals have lost just one of their 31 sets played this season and currerntly hold their best ranking in porgram history.
