Norfolk, VA – On a day that saw Junior Shaley Wertz (Kansas City, MO) be recognized for recording her 1,000th assist and Sophomore Nicole Walston (Wake Forest, NC) honored as the program's lone graduating student-athlete, the Regent University Volleyball team was determined to come out and represent their two teammates by finishing the regular season on a winning note.  The Royals would play two matches on the day, first against Randolph College and then against Clinton College. 

Game One 

Regent went toe-to-toe in the first set, having an answer for everything the Wildcats would throw at them.  It was tied at 10-10, but the Royals began to pull away to earn the win, 25-18.  However, Randolph regrouped in the second set and quickly went ahead 8-0.  Regent was able to pull within 11-5 and then to within 24-20, but ultimately fell 25-20.  Their momentum carried over into the third set as they jumped out to an 8-3 lead behind the serving of Wertz.  While the Wildcats tried to chip away at the advantage, the Royals took the set in dominating fashion, 25-13.  The fourth set was another back-and-forth between the two teams, and it eventually was tied 20-20.   However, Randolph finished it off with a tight win, 27-25.  Regent jumped out to a quick lead, 5-0, in the fifth and deciding set.  The Wildcats pulled to within 9-6 and then were able to grab the lead 10-9, going on to win the by an overall final score of 3-2. 

The Royals were led by Walston who finished with 22 kills and Freshman Ella Simone (El Paso, TX) who dished out 40 assists.  In addition, Sophomore Makayla Daniels (Chesapeake, VA) added 23 digs.   

Game Two

After an emotional Senior Day presentation for Walston, Regent was back on the court looking to come away with a win in their second match of the day and final of the regular season. The first set was a battle, as the Golden Bears grabbed a three-point lead 13-10 but the Royals battled back to win the set 26-24. Both teams were able to find their spots in the second set and eventually it was tied at 10-10. Clinton would capture the lead, but Regent stormed back to win 25-19. Once again, as with the previous ones, the third set was very close. The Royals extended their lead to 15-11 and never looked, back winning the set 24-15 and the match by a final score of 3-0. 

Regent was led by Walston with 17 kills and 9 digs, while Freshman Erin Saunders (Danville, VA) finished with 12 kills and 16 digs. In addition, Simone handed out 31 assists.  

The Royals will now play in the NCCAA Regional Semifinals in Winston-Salem, NC. Stay tuned for full schedule and times.