Wofford Volleyball Triumphs Again as SoCon Champions
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Wofford Terriers volleyball team achieved an impressive victory in the Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament final, staging a remarkable comeback against Mercer. After losing the first two sets and facing a match point in the fourth set, the No. 2 ranked Terriers rallied to win the match in five sets (22-25, 22-25, 25-16, 26-24, 16-14). This victory marks Wofford’s second consecutive SoCon championship and improves their record to 23 wins and 8 losses, while Mercer ends their season at 26-6.
This win is historic for the Terriers, as it makes them the first Wofford women’s team to win back-to-back SoCon titles. They are also the first team to successfully defend the SoCon Tournament crown since Samford did so from 2018 to the 2020-21 season.
Head coach Lynze Roos praised her senior players, Sarah MacLean, Mary Emily Morgan, and Mad Wilson, for their leadership and determination. “They’re unbelievable,” Roos expressed, highlighting their impact on the program. “Winning back-to-back championships is absolutely incredible.”
At the end of the tournament, the SoCon announced its All-Tournament team, featuring three Wofford players: Laney Klika, Bri Mahoney, and MacLean, who was named the Most Outstanding Player. This is MacLean’s third time receiving this honor, the most for any Terrier in history. Mahoney received her first selection, while Klika secured her second after achieving it in the previous season. Additionally, Taylor Pecht was acknowledged for having the highest GPA on the championship team.
MacLean acknowledged the team’s collective effort in her MOP award, stating, “I don’t think I could do it without my team. Everyone plays a role in making things happen.”
Defensively, the Terriers demonstrated strength at the net with 15 blocks, surpassing Mercer’s 10. Both teams recorded two service aces each. Though Mercer had more kills (71-61) and assists (67-55), Wofford showcased better efficiency, finishing with a hitting percentage of 0.189 compared to Mercer’s 0.173.
Wofford set a new program record with a total of 2,206 digs in a single season, surpassing the previous record of 2,151 from 2008. Klika contributed significantly, reaching 601 digs for the season, now the third highest in Wofford history.
Reflecting on their comeback, Klika confidently stated, “After we went down 0-2, there was no doubt in my mind that we weren’t going to come back from that.”
Mahoney, who previously set a career high for kills the day before, achieved a new personal best with 18 kills against Mercer, along with 13 digs. Morgan also made a solid contribution with 11 kills and 19 digs, marking her 11th double-double of the season.
Wofford’s journey through the match was a testament to their resilience. They struggled initially, losing the first two sets but turned the tide dramatically in the third set, demonstrating the determination that would carry them through the rest of the match.
With their championship title, the Terriers have earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, continuing their chase for success. Fans will find out Wofford’s next opponent during the selection show on Sunday, December 1.
“It’s like a dream,” Mahoney commented on their back-to-back title wins. “We’ve been working so hard, and seeing all of that work pay off is just surreal.”
