The Winthrop University Eagles secured a 3-0 victory over Virginia Tech in the opening match of the Winthrop Invitational on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The match, held at Winthrop Coliseum in Rock Hill, saw the Eagles win in straight sets with scores of 25-18, 25-23, and 25-20.
Winthrop established an early lead in the first set, responding to a 7-5 deficit to even the score and eventually take a 15-13 advantage. Despite efforts from Virginia Tech players Reese Hazelton and Destiny Walker, a 5-0 run by the Eagles helped them close out the set 25-18.
The second set began with Virginia Tech taking three consecutive kills, but Winthrop quickly tied the score at 5-5. Virginia Tech then went on a 3-0 run, featuring kills from Adeline Hundl and Walker, to lead 12-9. Winthrop battled back, tying the set at 19-19 and then scoring four straight points to gain a 23-19 lead. Virginia Tech responded with a 3-0 run, including blocks from Layla Moore and Hundl, and an ace from Hazelton, bringing them within one point at 24-23 before an Eagles kill sealed the set 25-23.
In the final set, Winthrop took an early 6-2 lead. Virginia Tech narrowed the deficit to 6-5 with a 3-0 run. Key blocks from Izzy Mishler and Frances Torres Esperanza kept Virginia Tech in contention, but Winthrop extended its lead to 14-8 and maintained it, ultimately closing the set 25-20 and securing the match victory.
For Virginia Tech, Destiny Walker led with 11 kills and contributed seven digs. Reese Hazelton achieved her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs. Camilla Brandalise recorded 27 digs, and the team collectively had four aces.
