ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State women's volleyball opened the 2025 season with an energetic performance inside the Harrison HPER Complex, showing promise and determination in a hard-fought four-set battle against Nicholls.

The Devilettes dropped the match 3–1 (15–25, 11–25, 25–18, 18–25), but the night was highlighted by a spirited third-set victory and standout efforts across the roster.

Third-Set Spark

Mississippi Valley came alive in the third set, using a combination of sharp serving and powerful net play to grab momentum. Taylor Wooten led the charge with six kills in the frame, while Lyric Edwards and Alaya Rhodes provided timely attacks to fuel the 25–18 win. Leticia Franco added back-to-back service aces that electrified the home crowd of 266 and sealed the set.

Balanced Contributions

The Devilettes showed depth with contributions from across the lineup. Edwards recorded a team-best 11 kills on the night, while Rhodes added seven and chipped in defensively with 14 digs. Wooten finished with eight kills, proving to be a reliable force at the net. Carrington Archer and Dashaun Pinesette combined for key blocks that slowed Nicholls' attack and helped Valley match their opponent's team total of five blocks.

Building Momentum

Although Nicholls secured the match, the Devilettes' third-set dominance highlighted their ability to compete and respond under pressure. Valley improved its offensive efficiency as the match went on, swinging at a .293 clip in the third compared to just .094 in the opening set.

What's Next

Mississippi Valley will look to build on this effort as the team continues non-conference play. The Devilettes will carry the momentum from their strong third set into the next matchup, confident in their ability to grow stronger with each contest. MVSU will take on Tougaloo College on August 30th at 3:00 pm in Tougaloo, Mississippi.