JACKSON, Miss. -  The W volleyball came out of the gate swinging in its non-conference match at Belhaven University, but could not sustain its efforts in a 3-1 loss at the Rugg Arena. The Owls (4-10) won the first set, 25-7, versus the Blazers (6-10), before losing the next three: 25-20, 25-17, 25-17.
 
MUW lost both matches of the 2025 season series to its regional rival to the south.
 
Set one gave The W faithful great hope or the evening, as the Owls pummeled the Blazers and completed the win without going through an entire rotation (just five players had to serve). The biggest run of the set came early on with Megan Neeb serving and the score at 1-1. Neeb would serve nine-consecutive winning points to give MUW a 10-1 lead, never looking back.
 
But rather than a knockout blow, it was more akin to waking a sleeping giant. Belhaven took the final three sets comfortably for the match win.
 
Madyson McBrayer and Skye Letson shared match-leading kill totals, with 10, apiece. Letson also had five assisted blocks.
 
Neeb had a nice all-around effort in then loss. Neeb had five kills, three ace, 17 digs, and the Owls' lone solo block.
 
Brooklyn Comfort matched Neeb's 17 digs. Sydney Barrett had four assisted blocks, as well as four kills on her ledger.
 
The W will next travel to Batesville, Arkansas, for a SLIAC tri-match, facing Grenville University (12 p.m.) and host Lyon College (2 p.m.).