Bluefield, WV – Bluefield State University Volleyball took down Virginia Union 3-2 (25-18, 17-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-10) in the home opener for the 2025 season. The Big Blue advance to 5-10 (2-0 CIAA) and the Panthers fall to 5-5 on the year.
The Big Blue came out strong in the opening set with Londyn Sewer and Soniya Garner, who had key kills early in the set, with Callesta Styles adding a block to give the Big Blue control. A Panther error closed out the frame, 25-18. The Panthers evened the match by taking set two, but the Big Blue bounced back with Gabrielle Hale orchestrating the offense to a 25-20 match win.
The Panthers forced the deciding set after taking set four 25-20. After the Panthers pulled within one, the Big Blue answered with six consecutive points to extend the lead to 12-5. After a late rally by the Panthers, a kill from Styles and two from Martin sealed the victory for the Big Blue 15-10.
"That was a true CIAA battle and I'm so proud of how we responded," said head coach Keyonna Morrow. "Our defense stepped up in a big way tonight, especially Rosalyn Nightingale who had crucial digs to set up our attacks. We truly came together as a team and showed what it means to be a Big Blue."
The Big Blue were led by Garner with 15 kills, 13 digs, and two aces. Hale came away with 35 assists and 15 digs, with Martin finishing with 10 kills. Styles added nine kills and four blocks and Solis anchored the Big Blue defense with a team-high 18 digs and four ace serves.
Final: Bluefield State 3, Virginia Union 2
Up Next: Bluefield State vs. Bluefield University – Wednesday, October 1st @ 6 p.m.
