HISTORIC NIGHT: Winterhoff’s Milestone Powers App State’s Dramatic Comeback

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State volleyball (12-4, 3-2 SBC) staged an unbelievable five-set reverse sweep over Old Dominion (3-13, 0-5 SBC) on Friday evening at Holmes Convocation Center, winning 22-25, 15-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16. The thrilling victory was highlighted by senior Maya Winterhoff achieving her 1,000th collegiate career kill, becoming the second Mountaineer to reach a career milestone this fall following redshirt senior Addison Heidemann’s 1,000th career assist against College of Charleston on August 30.

Offensive Excellence Leads Revival

Sophomore Bella Hutchens paced the Mountaineers’ attack, matching her career-high 15 kills while hitting an impressive .379. Senior Keionna Mackey contributed 14 kills, while Winterhoff added 13 kills at a remarkable .393 hitting percentage. Defensively, Winterhoff and sophomore Lou Johnson led the team with six blocks apiece as App State recorded 14 total blocks compared to Old Dominion’s eight. Heidemann orchestrated the offense with 38 assists, while sophomore MeMe Davis anchored the defense with a team-high 19 digs.

Slow Start, Strong Finish

Old Dominion seized control early, taking the first set 25-22 despite App State rallying from a 16-10 deficit to tie at 17-all. The Monarchs dominated the second set 25-15, building a commanding 19-8 advantage that the Mountaineers couldn’t overcome.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the third set as App State established a 6-2 lead and never looked back. The Mountaineers limited Old Dominion to just a .034 hitting percentage, eventually claiming the set 25-21 on a block from Johnson and Hutchens.

App State controlled the fourth set throughout, jumping to a 10-6 lead and maintaining their advantage. Redshirt freshman Maddie Smith delivered a crucial ace late, and Maria Contreras sealed the set 25-20 with a setter’s dump, forcing the decisive fifth frame.

Dramatic Finale

The fifth set featured ten ties and four lead changes, epitomizing competitive volleyball at its finest. Trailing 10-7, the Mountaineers surged ahead with a 6-1 run powered by Hutchens’ offensive onslaught—three consecutive kills, a block alongside Johnson, and a fourth kill gave App State a 13-11 advantage.

With the Mountaineers at match point (14-12), Old Dominion responded with a 3-0 run to take a 15-14 lead. Winterhoff then slammed down her historic 1,000th career kill to tie the score at 15-all, followed immediately by an ace from Ali Morris. After Old Dominion knotted the score at 16-all, back-to-back kills from Contreras and Mackey sealed the 18-16 victory.

The Mountaineers return to action Saturday at 2 p.m. for Pink Day against Old Dominion. Fans are encouraged to wear pink for the special event, which will feature a wristband giveaway and “I Stand For” signs for attendees to complete.