ERIE, Pa. — West Virginia State University outlasted a determined Clarion team in a thrilling five-set battle to claim a 3-2 victory in the Atlantic Regional quarterfinal on Thursday evening at the Hagerty Family Events Center. The Yellow Jackets surged to an early two-set lead, withstood a furious comeback from the Golden Eagles, and prevailed in the decisive fifth set to advance.

WVSU's balanced team effort was led by Baby Moleni, who delivered a team-high 15 kills, including several critical points in the fifth set. Setter Kiersten Eggleton orchestrated the offense with 45 assists while contributing 20 digs and three blocks to an all-around performance befitting her Second Team All-Region honor. Valencia Wilder dominated at the net with nine kills and a match-high nine blocks, while Nicole Gartner Custodio, also a Second Team All-Region selection, added six kills and three blocks. Morgan Caba anchored the defense with 12 digs, providing crucial stability in key moments.

Clarion's Cassidy Snider, the Atlantic Region Player of the Year, delivered an astounding 37 kills to keep the Golden Eagles competitive throughout the match. Her relentless attack tested the Yellow Jackets' defense, but WVSU's collective effort ultimately secured the victory.

The Yellow Jackets came out strong in the first set, securing a 25-20 win behind their balanced offensive attack and strong net presence. Moleni and Eggleton set the tone early with well-timed kills and efficient distribution, while Wilder and Custodio provided crucial blocks to limit Clarion's opportunities. In the second set, WVSU narrowly edged Clarion 25-23 in a tightly contested frame. Key defensive plays by Wilder and Custodio, coupled with Eggleton's court vision and steady setting, allowed the Yellow Jackets to fend off the Golden Eagles' advances and build a 2-0 lead.

Clarion responded with resilience in the third set, claiming a marathon 29-27 victory to keep their hopes alive. Snider dominated for the Golden Eagles, leading a late surge and saving multiple match points to snatch the set from WVSU. The momentum stayed with Clarion in the fourth set, as they controlled the frame for a 25-19 win. Snider's relentless attacking and a few untimely errors from WVSU forced the match to a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, WVSU displayed grit and determination to pull out a dramatic 16-14 victory. State had match point at 14-12 following a Clarion service error, however a pair of Clarion kills tied the match at 14. A Clarion attack error gave State another match point and a Clarion overpass followed by a Wilder slam sealed the match in favor of State.

The victory propels WVSU (24-9) into the Atlantic Regional semifinals, where they will face Gannon (23-7) on Friday at 7 p.m.