Lynchburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's volleyball team secured its fifth straight win to open the 2025 season, defeating Southern Virginia 3-1 in their home opener.

After dropping the opening set 25-20, the Hornets seized momentum and never looked back, taking the next three frames 25-19, 25-15, and 25-18.

In the second set, Lynchburg's offense found its rhythm through the middle. The towering duo of Ava Meinhardt and Leah DiNardo continually hammered the floor with powerful kills, combining for 22 on the night along with five blocks on defense. 

As Southern Virginia adjusted to slow down the Hornets' interior attack, outside hitter Tori Williamson took over. The junior unleashed a barrage of swings and finished with a team-high 14 kills, three aces, and 14 digs.

Richard Bland transfer Alexis Scipione also turned in a strong, well-rounded performance at setter. The junior tallied 39 assists, three aces, and a team-leading 15 digs to pace Lynchburg on both ends of the court.

For the first time since 2016, the Hornets have opened their season 5-0, matching their hot start from nearly a decade ago when they went 6-0.

Lynchburg now heads to Haverford, Pa., for a weekend gauntlet, facing Scranton and Haverford on Friday, Sept. 5, before squaring off with Springfield the following afternoon.

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--LYN--

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