University of Lynchburg

Bridgewater, Va. -- For the first time in 12 seasons, the University of Lynchburg women's volleyball team has advanced to the ODAC Championship after defeating Bridgewater in the semifinals in four sets on Thursday night at Nininger Hall.

With the victory over the RV Eagles (23-5), the RV Hornets (26-4) tie the program record for wins in a season and extend their win streak to 14 consecutive triumphs, the most in a single season since 1984. The squad notched double digit aces for the 12th match this year and tied the record on the season for total blocks with 11.0.

The Hornets earned the victory by set scores of 25-8, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21. Lynchburg commanded the opening set, hitting .393 with 13 kills and only two attack errors. The Hornets used a six-point run to turn a 3-3 tie into a 9-3 advantage, with Cambre Phillips recording three kills during the stretch. Lynchburg later scored nine consecutive points behind Olivia Clark's serve before closing the frame, 25-8.

The second set featured seven ties and four lead changes. Lynchburg broke a 17-17 tie with three consecutive points, then held off a late Bridgewater push. Leah DiNardo and Tori Williamson delivered the final two kills to secure the 25-22 win.

Bridgewater responded by taking the third set, 25-22, before Lynchburg regrouped in the fourth. The Hornets built an 18-11 lead during a seven-point service run from Mia Hinkamper. Bridgewater pulled within one at 22-21, but Lynchburg scored the final three points. Williamson and DiNardo combined on a block before Kate Hardie ended the match with a kill.

DiNardo led Lynchburg's attack with 10 kills on 15 attempts and a .600 hitting percentage. Hardie added 10 kills and 12 digs, while Phillips finished with nine kills, 11 digs and two service aces. Williamson contributed eight kills, seven digs and six block assists.

Alexis Scipione recorded 22 assists, nine digs and two aces, while Kenstin Phelps supplied 12 assists and five digs. Hinkamper led the Hornets with 16 digs and four aces. Lynchburg finished with 47 kills, 11 service aces and 11 total blocks while holding Bridgewater to a .037 hitting percentage.

Next up, the ODAC Championship, hosted by Batten on Saturday, November 14 at a to-be-determined time.

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