NORFOLK, Va. -- For the first time since 2002, Randolph bested Virginia Wesleyan, taking an emphatic, but heavily-contested, 3-0 decision.

The win cements the WildCats as a contender in the ODAC playoff hunt, while handing the Marlins their first ODAC loss of the season.

Last year's battle was fierce, with both teams reaching at least 20 points in all four sets of a 3-1 VWC victory.

Today's was even more intense, with the first set an indication of the competitiveness of the contest.

Randolph fell behind early, dipping into a hole as deep as 14-9.

Five straight on the service of sophomore Alex Mariona tied the set up, which led to a wild exchange of points.

The teams alternated the next 12 points before Randolph grew a 23-21 lead.

Three straight from VWC gave the Marlins set point, but Randolph stayed alive to prolong the set.

The teams battled to 28-28 before kills by senior Jordan Templin and Mariona closed out the frame.

Set two was more of the same, as the teams tied six times from 15-15 to 21-21 before Randolph earned four straight on the service of senior Lexi Harrington to push ahead, with junior Marissa McClinton putting the frame away, 25-22.

The WildCats used their momentum, taking 12 of the first 13 points in the third set.

The Marlins battled back, eventually fighting off three match points to stay alive.

Finally, at 27-27, sophomore Noelle Wojciechowski used a kill to get a side out for Randolph and Mariona concluded the match with an ace, giving the WildCats the sweep.

Senior setter Kerry McMichael, who leads the league in assists, contributed 32 helpers on the day.

McClinton added to her ODAC-best block total with two.

Templin's 20 kills and senior Katherine Lesnak's 14 digs were match highs.

The WildCats have a quick turnaround as they host So. Virginia Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Earlier this year, Randolph took a five-set decision over the Knights. In that contest, McMichael broke a program record with 50 assists, including setting up Templin for the match-winner, as Templin became the first player in program history with 1,000 kills.