The Winthrop University Eagles volleyball team achieved a decisive 3-0 sweep against Virginia Tech on Thursday at Winthrop Coliseum, drawing a record-setting crowd of 1,149 fans. This victory marks a significant moment for the Rock Hill-based NCAA Division I program, which competes in the Big South Conference.
Paige Bennett led the Eagles offense with 15 kills, while Lexi Thatcher orchestrated the attack with 35 assists. Teagan Sychterz anchored the defense, contributing five blocks during the match. Other key offensive contributors included Reece Rhoads with eight kills and Maggie Czajka with six kills. Alyah Cadavid, Lindsay Langner, and Czajka each recorded an ace.
The Eagles demonstrated resilience throughout the match. In the first set, they overcame an early 7-5 deficit, fueled by a Sychterz kill, a block from Rhoads and Sychterz, and a kill by Laila Glover, to establish a 10-8 lead. After Virginia Tech tied the score twice, Winthrop pulled ahead 16-13 with plays from Bennett, Rhoads, and Thatcher. A 7-1 run, featuring a Sychterz kill and a Cadavid ace, extended their lead to 23-15, with Glover ultimately sealing the set 25-18.
Virginia Tech started strong in the second set with three consecutive kills, but Winthrop quickly responded, tying the score at 5-5 with two kills from Bennett and an ace from Langner. Despite the Hokies taking a 14-11 lead, the Eagles rallied, with a Sychterz-Glover block and a Czajka ace helping them to a 19-17 advantage. Winthrop then secured the set 25-23 after a series of four consecutive kills.
In the third set, the Eagles established an early 6-2 lead with contributions from Bennett, Czajka, and Rhoads, alongside an ace from Bennett. Although Virginia Tech narrowed the gap, Winthrop extended its lead to 14-8 with a 4-0 run, including kills from Glover and Bennett. The Eagles closed out the set 25-20, with Czajka delivering the final kill.
The Winthrop Eagles will continue their home stand, facing Old Dominion on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Winthrop Coliseum. Winthrop University, a major employer in Rock Hill, is known for its strong athletic programs within the Big South Conference.
