By: Sarah McCall

Over the past three months, the West Virginia Wesleyan women’s volleyball team has been making an incredible impact and creating new success for their program. 

The season began with preseason tournaments, as the Bobcats traveled to various colleges across West Virginia, Virginia, and South Carolina on weekends. Their first tournament was at Coker University in South Carolina, where they went 2-2, getting wins against both Coker and Francis Marion University. Next up, they competed at Bluefield State and showed serious determination, sweeping the tournament 4-0 with victories over Salem, Lees-McRae, Erskine, and Shorter. They finished their preseason at Concord University, where they went 2-2, winning matches against Bluefield State and Pikeville. Their pre-conference record was a strong start and set the tone for a promising season.

Once they entered conference play, however, the Bobcats faced tougher opponents, leading to a few challenging games and a final 3-9 record in conference matchups. Despite the setbacks, the team displayed resilience and hard work, pulling off memorable wins against Glenville, Concord, and Point Park. Even in losses, the Bobcat Volleyball showed growth and learned from each match, a quality that’s sure to pay off in future seasons.

Alexis Moeschler, who is the captain of the volleyball team says, “I think this season has been more successful than others because everyone is committed to the team and is willing to put in the work to get better. I am really excited for the future of this program because we have been building it up for years and I finally feel we are at that breaking point”.

Several players made an unforgettable mark this season. Bhrooke Axe led the team in kills with an impressive 280, bringing consistent offensive power to the court. She also led in blocks with 84, showing her versatility and impact on both ends of the game. Alexis Moeschler held the defense with a season-high 428 digs, constantly keeping the ball in play and frustrating opponents with her quick reactions. Jaylnn West commanded the offense, racking up an incredible 800 assists, helping to create scoring opportunities game after game.

Looking ahead, the Bobcats have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. With several key players returning and fresh talent on the way, the team has a lot of potential. Coach Wheeler is excited about the future, especially after seeing the team come together and push through the challenges of the season. While the 2024 season may be over, the Bobcats have set a strong foundation and are building a legacy that has fans eager for what’s next. The journey is just beginning for West Virginia Wesleyan volleyball, and with the hard work and heart they’ve shown, the best is yet to come!

Photo by Michelle Denison