HARRISONBURG, Va. -- Looking to stay alive in the race for the ODAC Tournament, the Randolph WildCats women's volleyball team picked up a critical 3-1 victory over the Eastern Mennonite Royals on Saturday. The 'Cats bounced back from a third-set setback to shut down the Royals' comeback attempt in the fourth, securing the win by scores of 25-16, 25-12, 22-25, 28-26.
The first two sets belonged to the WildCats. As the offense found its rhythm, the defense also delivered, forcing the Royals into 18 errors across the opening two frames. Eastern Mennonite recorded 55 attacks during that stretch but managed just 28 points. The third set proved to be Randolph's toughest of the evening, as the 'Cats hit -.028 with just five kills and six errors. With the fourth set tied at 25, Randolph held firm, claiming three of the next four points to seal the victory.
Destanie Ambers led the WildCats with eight kills and 17 digs. Carly Schopp once again excelled in directing the offense, recording a team-high 28 assists and four aces while adding 10 digs. Alyssa Thompson and Makayla Waiters contributed seven kills apiece, while McKayla Padgett added 11 digs.
The WildCats improve to 14-13 overall and 4-7 in ODAC play. Randolph will look to secure a spot in the ODAC Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 4, when it hosts Roanoke. The matchup will also serve as the team's annual "CODE BLACK" game, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m.
A victory could propel the 'Cats as high as the seventh seed in the ODAC Tournament. A loss, coupled with an Eastern Mennonite loss, would secure the eighth seed and potentially give Randolph its first tournament appearance since 2019.
