PITTSBURGH, Pa.  - On the opening day of the 2025 NCAA Women's Division lll Tournament, the Southern Virginia University women's volleyball team gave the tenth ranked team in the land all they could handle.

After four thrilling sets, the Knights were eliminated by Hope College, who are seeking their fifth consecutive regional title.

Despite dropping the first set, Southern Virginia began to settle in as their elite defense took over. Ryann Vail and Macie Weatherly each had a couple of blocks early on which helped the Knights lead wire to wire in the second.

A kill from Aubrey Packer eventually secured a program milestone, the first ever set win for the team in the NCAA tournament.

In the third, Head Coach Debby Baker's squad nearly grabbed a stranglehold on the lead. The Knights came from behind to grab a 21-17 after a block from Summer Hahn and Emma Broadbent. However, Hope rallied for a 26-24 victory.

A similar trend followed in the fourth, and unfortunately for the Knights, the result was the same and the Flying Dutch were moving on to the second round once again.

Several Knights had standout performances, including senior libero Gracie Fulton who was all over the court to record 18 digs. Aubrey Packer led both teams with 18 kills and Ruby Blamires tallied 21 assists and three aces.

Ryann Vail starred again at the net, produced 8 more blocks and looked very much like one of the top middles in the country.

The loss brings another superb season to an end. It showed growth on the national stage and provides much promise leading into next season.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightwvolleyball on Instagram.