The Basics
The West Virginia Wesleyan volleyball team opens the season at home against Charleston on Tuesday (Feb. 2) at 7 p.m. before travelling to Glenville State on Friday (Feb. 5) to take on the Pioneers. 
 
Quick Hits
• Senior middle blocker Lauryn Antolock is back after recording 158 kills and 19.0 blocks. 
• Sophomore outside hitter Joelle Lalla led the team in blocks last season (52.0). 
• Sophomore setter Payton Hefner paced WVWC in assists last season with 511 a year ago.
• Head coach Nancy Wheeler enters her fourth season at the helm of Wesleyan volleyball. 
• The 2020-21 volleyball season will consist of 10 matches against Mountain East Conference Competition.
 
Scouting Charleston
Charleston finished last season 12-20 overall and 7-9 in MEC play. Junior outside hitter Rachel Phalen is the returning leader in kills (214). Junior setter Erin Thomas (983 assists) returns to help create plays for the Golden Eagles. 
 
Last season on September 27, 2019, the Bobcats swept Charleston 3-0 in Buckhannon. The Golden Eagles returned the favor in the season finale in the capital city on November 16, 2019. 
 
Jenna Theden enters her seventh season as the head coach of her alma mater. Charleston was picked to finish third in the MEC South Division preseason poll. 
 
Scouting Glenville State
Glenville State concluded last season at 5-24 overall including a 2-14 conference mark. Junior outside hitter Skylar Mace is back for the Pioneers after a team-high 338 kills last season. Mace also recorded 32.0 blocks a season ago. Sophomore setter Sophie Shifferly (731 assists) plans to set the table again for Glenville State. 
 
Last season on October 4, 2019, WVWC defeated Glenville State on the road 3-1 before the Pioneers earned the series split besting the Bobcats in Buckhannon by a 3-1 decision on November 2, 2019. 
 
Former 4-year starter for Glenville State (2015-2018) Madison Gargus enters her first season as the head coach of the Pioneers. Glenville State was picked to finish sixth in the MEC South Division preseason poll. 
 
Up Next
West Virginia Wesleyan volleyball is scheduled to continue its MEC slate in Buckhannon against Concord on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. before going to West Virginia State on Friday, Feb. 12 for a 2 p.m. tipoff.