HANNIBAL — The Statesmen women’s volleyball team started off its 2025 campaign with two dominant wins over Hannibal-LaGrange in non-conference action Tuesday.
WPU swept the Trojans 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-12) in the first match before handling H-LG (0-2) by a 3-1 score (25-14, 22-25, 25-20, 25-14) in the second bout.
WPU 3, Hannibal-LaGrange 0
In her navy and gold debut, Maju Vierira (Jr., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) totaled nine kills on just 14 attempts, while Khiani Jackson (Sr., St. Joseph, Mo., Psychology) followed with seven kills. Hailee Pesek (So., New Hampton, Iowa, Nursing) added five more winners.
Mia Brady (Sr., Pontiac, IL., Exercise Science) (17) and Emalee Young (Jr., O’Fallon, Mo., Nursing) (12) combined for 29 assists in the two-setter lineup, while Brady and Jackson both served up a pair of aces.
Kaya Caprini (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Psychology) had a team-best 10 digs. Overall, the Statesmen hit .365, while keeping the Trojans in the red at -.078.
WPU 3, Hannibal-LaGrange 1
Pesek and Emilie Bojorquez-McFadden (Jr., Surprise, Ariz., Biology) both presented challenges at the net as they managed nine kills apiece in the nightcap. Emma Hynick (Sr., Monticello, Iowa, Human Services) contributed seven more offensive points in the matchup, while Jackson recorded six.
Pesek, Bojorquez, and Caprini shared the crown for most digs with eight each, while Courtney McWilliams (Fr., Rockton, Ill., Nursing) was the only Statesmen to finish in double figures for assists with 11.
WPU held a .223-.000 hitting advantage over its hosts.
“It is great to get our first-game jitters out on the road in a tough environment,” Head Coach Lauren Eldridge said. “We did a lot of great things, but there are things we know we need to focus on going into this upcoming weekend. Everyone was able to see some court time and get an opportunity to contribute. It feels good to start 2-0 going into a big tournament weekend.”
Next Up: William Penn remains on the road as it heads to North Sioux City, S.D. Friday and Saturday to compete in the Siouxland Invitational. On Friday, the Statesmen meet Bismarck State (N.D.) at 11:30 a.m. and Dakota State (S.D.) at 7 p.m. On Saturday, WPU takes on Mayville State (N.D.) at 1 p.m. and Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) at 3:30 p.m.
